Whitfield Barracks () were
barracks in
Tsim Sha Tsui,
Kowloon,
Hong Kong. The area is now the site of
Kowloon Park, where several reconverted buildings remain.
It was named after
Henry Wase Whitfield, the commander of British Army in Hong Kong.
History
In the 1890s, the Barracks were first built for the British Indian
garrisons. Twenty five barrack blocks were built by 1906; the Barracks were developed in subsequent years. By 1910, there had been 85 barrack buildings constructed.
A mosque was also built at the southeastern corner of the site for worship by the garrison.
It belonged to the
British Military Force when Hong Kong was under
British rule. The premises was later returned to the
Government of Hong Kong in 1967. In 1970, the
Urban Council redeveloped the site into the
Kowloon Park.
The Government ignited some controversy when it made proposals in 1982 for a strip of retail premises fronting
Nathan Road included to be carved into the hill of Kowloon Park. The move was opposed by the Urban Council, as well as the Moslem community, whose mosque was close by.
Remaining buildings
The remaining Blocks 58, S4, S61 and S62 of the former barracks are listed as
Grade III historic buildings.
Blocks S61 and S62 were constructed in circa 1910. They are a pair of identical two storied...
Read More