Conservation and Development of Former State Theatre, North Point, Hong Kong
In 2020, New World Development has announced its plan to conserve the State Theatre, making us the first private developer to conserve a Grade I historic theatre.
Continuing the legacy of being a pioneer and a landmark ahead of its time, the project will look back into the history to be inspired.
Our main goal is to conserve the building and revitalise it into an international cultural exchange hub and a pioneering cultural landmark.
In the past three years we have conducted extensive historic research and oral history interviews with different stakeholders, celebrating the glorious history of the theatre.
Immersive experiential programme “Discover the State Theatre in All of Us” in 2021 attracted 20,000 visitors from all walks of life, reintroducing the heritage significance of the State Theatre to the general public. It also let people discover its collective memories with Hong Kong. No other heritage projects would start engagement six years before its launch.
We have also organised an international heritage symposium with The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2023. 800 participants got to learn more about the State Theatre, and other innovative heritage projects from around the world.
Through ongoing tours and site visits, we continue to gather insights from professionals and art groups on ways to improve the usage of State Theatre. These visitors include heritage professionals, conservators, architects, scholars, curators, theatre performers, choreographers and film directors.
State Theatre will return to its original use: a sustainable performance venue, and its ongoing programmes will contribute to the community wellbeing beyond 2026.
Our work will set the benchmark for heritage conservation in the region and inspire cultural heritage professionals in the future.
Achieving SDG11:
Protect and safeguard the cultural heritage.
