Macao technical team visited Shanghai for a Meeting on preparation of Tak Seng On construction

“Restoration and Reuse of Historic Building of Macao – Tak Seng On Case” has been selected for exhibition in the Urban Best Practices Area of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. In addition to the construction of Macao Pavilion, Macao will also construct the Tak Seng On Pawnshop in the Urban Best Practices Area. Tak Seng On will be an attraction of the Expo. Macao is the only participant in China that will have two concrete constructions at the Expo site. The restoration and reuse of Tak Seng On has been awarded with the Honorable Mention in the UNESCO 2004 Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation. The building of Tak Seng On occupied an area of 500 sq. meters and was composed of three parts, including the Pawnshop Business Exhibition Area and the Cultural Exhibition Hall. The restoration and reuse of the historic building was Government-led. The Government proposed the owner to abandon the commercial plan of rebuilding the pawnshop and proposed to put up capital restoring and maintaining it, which would then be run by non-governmental operator. In this way, the Government, owner and operator have jointly showcased an innovative management model for successful preservation of historic building. The MSAR Government will reconstruct Tak Seng On on a 1:1 basis in the Urban Best Practices Area. When the time comes, Tak Seng On will be reproduced in Shanghai, revealing to the international audience fruit of the MSAR Government’s efforts in restoration and reuse of historic buildings. A technical team from Macao went to Shanghai from 28-30 May for a meeting with related departments of the Shanghai Expo organizers to exchange views on the construction of Tak Seng On. Led by Ms Ieong Pou Yee, Director of the Office for Preparation of Macao’s Participation in the Shanghai Expo, the technical team was composed of the following members: Mr Lo Veng Tak, Member of the Administration Committee of Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau; Mr Tony Lam, President of Macau Fair & Trade Association; Mr Cheong Cheok Kio, Chief of Cultural Heritage Department of Cultural Affairs Bureau; Mr Mac Vai Tong, Head of Economic Activities Development Department of Economic Services; Mr Fong Man Seng and Mr Chang Wun Kong, Engineers and Architects of Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau; and Ms Sit Kit Man and Ms Chong Lei Peng, Senior Officers of Economic Services. Representatives from the Shanghai Expo organizers include Mr Sun Lian Sheng, Director of Urban Best Practices Area Department; Professor Tang Zi Lai, Planner of Best Urban Practices Area; and representatives from other departments. The two sides had in depth discussions on technicalities the Tak Seng On construction and reached consensus on a workable proposal. The two sides also discussed matters concerning the signing of participation contract. During its stay in Shanghai, the technical team also visited “Eco-house in Shanghai” and the Exhibition Center of World Expo 2010 Shanghai China.