Privately-owned Heritage Conservation
54. Promoting the protection of privately-owned historic buildings is a complex issue which involves balancing interests such as safeguarding private property rights, the prudent use of public money, and meeting public expectations. We will actively explore new arrangements to provide economic incentives for private owners to encourage heritage protection by the private sector. In parallel, the Government will offer financial support for the maintenance of privately-owned graded historic buildings.
A Commissioner for Heritage
55. In the next five years, the Government will step up our work on heritage conservation. A Commissioner for Heritage Office, to be set up in the Development Bureau, will provide a focal point for public participation and the Government's heritage conservation work. This shows that heritage conservation will be a long-term commitment of the Government.
Promoting Local Culture
56. We will actively preserve and promote our intangible cultural heritage, such as Cantonese Opera. An emblem of local culture, it is a refined, as much as a popular, art form. The Government has decided to convert the Yau Ma Tei Theatre into a Cantonese Opera centre, which will serve as a permanent performance venue for Cantonese Opera troupes. The Cantonese Opera sector also plays an important role in the venue partnership scheme of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD).
