The opening of the newly refurbished Kowloon West (KW) Regional Headquarters is a milestone that signifies the Force's continued commitment to making good use of technology, maximising efficiency and enhancing care for Force members and public alike, said Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Yam Tat-wing at the headquarters' opening ceremony on January 16.

The refurbishment improved existing facilities, security and fire safety. It was also testimony to the benefits of a multi-agency approach and underlined the close working ties among various government departments, Mr Yam pointed out while officiating at the opening ceremony, which was also attended by more than 100 guests from District Councils, District Fight Crime Committees, Junior Police Call, Architectural Services Department and Leisure and Cultural Services Department, as well as Kowloon West Regional Commander Lo Yik-kee.

The ceremony was not only about refurbishment and progress, but also about efforts to preserve the Force's heritage when a clay-sculptured vase that was part of the roof of the former Kowloon Headquarters in 1925 was unveiled at the ceremony, following restoration work with contributions from a cross section of government departments and non-governmental agencies alike.

"Teamwork and professionalism are evident as we look around us today, and testify to the benefits of a multi-agency approach as you strive to achieve your objectives," Mr Yam noted.

In his speech, Mr Lo, who will proceed on pre-retirement leave shortly after almost 32 years of service, was delighted that "the historical vase will from now on be properly displayed in this building for us to remember, retain and appreciate good things of the past". He thanked the Force Museum, Conservation Section of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and 84-year-old former Sergeant Li Kai-kwong who took good care of the clay vase in the 1970s. His attendance at the opening ceremony was a fitting recognition of his contribution to preserving the vase.

In closing, Mr Lo expressed his heartfelt gratitude to those who had taken part in the project and wished staff well as they go about their work in a new and improved environment.

Restoration of vase

The clay-sculptured vase was originally one of six identical decorative vases on the roof of the former Kowloon Headquarters located at 142 Prince Edward Road, Kowloon. The vase, which features carved roses at the top, was a popular Western style motif of that time.

The actual body of the sculpture was cast from a mould filled with sub-soil. After drying in the sun, a layer of "Shanghai" plaster was applied to its surface and patterns were then set on the vase prior to drying. A further layer of plaster was then applied to the cracks between the patterns and the sculpture was then hand polished.

The Kowloon Headquarters, of which the vase formed part, was built by the government in 1925. Initially the building housed the Diocesan Boys School when the purpose-built school at 131 Argyle Street was let to the Military Authorities for use as a General Hospital in connection with the Shanghai Defence Force. In 1928, the building was used as the Police Training School and following the Second World War assumed the role of Kowloon Police Headquarters in 1947.

In December 1975, upon completion of the building that now houses the Kowloon West Regional Headquarters at 190 Argyle Street, the Kowloon Headquarters was demolished to make way for Prince Edward Station of MTR. The clay-sculptured vase was saved from this demolition and kept in the lobby of the "new" Kowloon Police Headquarters. SGT Li Kai-kwong protected the vase with coats of white paint.

On January 1, 1992, Kowloon Police Region was divided into Kowloon East and Kowloon West. Kowloon East Regional Headquarters was set up in Tseung Kwan O, whereas Kowloon West remained at 190 Argyle Street, with the vase remaining at the Kowloon West Regional Headquarters.

It was during renovation of the Kowloon West Regional Headquarters in late 2007 that a sustained effort, fostered by Mr Lo as Regional Commander Kowloon West, was undertaken to find out the history behind the vase and to restore it to its original form using modern techniques. These efforts paid off as a result of the close multi-agency co-operation with the Force Curator, Conservation Section of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and Mr Sunny Chow, a Restoration and Monument Consultant, all providing their expertise before the 83-year-old fully restored sculpture was unveiled on January 16. Hopefully, it will be around in the lobby of the refurbished Kowloon West Regional Headquarters for at least another 83 years.

Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Yam Tat-wing and Kowloon West Regional Commander Lo Yik-kee unveiling a commemorative plaque of the refurbished headquarters

Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Yam Tat-wing and Kowloon West Regional Commander Lo Yik-kee officiated a the KW HQ's opening ceremony

Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Yam Tat-wing says at the opening ceremony that the refurbishment underlines the close working ties among various government departments

Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Yam Tat-wing and Kowloon West Regional Commander Lo Yik-kee unveiling the clay-sculptured vase in the lobby of the refurbished headquarters

Kowloon West Regional Commander Lo Yik-kee plants a tree to commemorate the auspicious occasion of the refurbished headquarters

With the good care by 84-year-old former Sergeant Li Kai-kwong (third left), the vase sees the light again

The eye-catching new lobby of the refurbished headquarters