Hong Kong Secretary for Development Carrie Lam says a two-month publicity drive on heritage conservation will launch on January 15.

Lam told lawmakers that roving exhibitions would be held in the Heritage Discovery Centre and seven shopping centres from mid-January to mid-March.

The Buildings under the Revitalizing Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme will open to the public.

The Government will also invite organizations to hold induction tours to help citizens understand more about the city's heritage.

Applicants will be invited to submit proposals on the seven buildings including Old Tai Po Police Station, Lui Seng Chun and North Kowloon Magistracy.

Upon approval of successful applications the historic buildings will have to be renovated in accordance with the proposals received.

The Government has earmarked one billion HK dollars, or about 130 million US dollars, under the Capital Works Reserve Fund to provide financial support for the scheme.

A separate sum of 13 million US dollars for five years has already been set aside in the general revenue account to help operate the scheme.

(CRI January 3, 2008)