The Historic Buildings: Workmen's Quarter Building

History

The Workmen's Quarters Building is one of the two historic building marking the entrance of the HKU Centennial Campus. It forms a typical part of the staff facilities provided on Government properties, particularly waterworks sites.

Built in 1918-19 as communal residence for Chinese workers of Waterworks Department, it has been classified as a Grade III historic building. This is a single-storey red brick rectangular structure with a Chinese pan-and-roll tile pitched roof and gable ends. Of specific note are the verandahs under the projecting roof of the building.

The architectural qualities and scale of this building are simple in nature, indicative of the status of labouring staff, and the stark contrast between this building and the Senior Staff Quarters reflects the strict hierarchy of employment and relative standards of facilities provided within the civil service of Hong Kong at that time.

Adaptive Re-use

The building will be revitalized to become HKU's Visitors' Centre featuring a souvenior shop and information centre.

Floor Plan

Building Section