Former Central Magistracy

The former Central Magistracy is located at 1, Arbuthnot Road, Central, Victoria, Hong Kong. It was constructed from 1913 to 1914.

Former Central Magistracy
中央裁判司署
The Former Central Magistracy
General information
Type	Courthouse
Architectural style	Greek-revival style
Location	Central
Address	1 Arbuthnot Road
Town or city	Victoria, Hong Kong
Country	China
Current tenants	Hong Kong Police Force
Groundbreaking	1913
Completed	1914
Closed	1979
Owner	Hong Kong Government
Designations	Declared monument

Former Central Magistracy
Chinese	中央裁判司署
Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin Zhōngyāng Cáipàn Sī Shǔ Yue: Cantonese Yale Romanization Jūng yēung chòih pun sī chyúh Jyutping Zung1 yoeng1 coi4 pun3 si1 cyu4

History

The site where the building is standing was originally occupied by the first Hong Kong Magistracy. The former building was probably erected in 1847 but was later demolished to make way for the present building. Difficulty and delay in the construction work was caused because of the provision of an extensive basement in the new magistracy. The Central Magistracy was closed in 1979 and was subsequently used by different associations affiliated to the Royal Hong Kong Police Force (RHKPF).

Architecture

The building's majestic appearance, with the imposing pillars of the façade and other features in the Greek-revival style, are lost to its poor exposure fronting onto a steep, narrow road. The massive retaining walls were constructed with granite blocks.

Conservation

The former Central Magistracy has been redeveloped into a cultural and shopping destination generally called Tai Kwun (大館). Tai Kwun is composed of three declared monuments: the former Central Police Station, former Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison.

See also

• Central and Western Heritage Trail
• Former French Mission Building
• Legislative Council Building

External links

• Antiquities and Monuments Office Archived 15 February 2020 at the Wayback Machine