Industrial lofts

New Uses for factory buildings

By Leonie Wong

Industrial buildings are no longer occupied solely by factory units. Loft Stage, a performance centre located at Wah Mow Factory Building, Diamond Hill, was converted from an industrial unit. Horatio Tse, founder of Loft Stage, said the availability of space and low rental fee are the main attraction. "There is always a shortage of capital and space for artistic organizations. Only industrial buildings can provide enough space for us to practise and to perform with such a low rental fee." The Planning Department of Hong Kong is studying the feasibility of converting excessive industrial buildings to other uses such as entertainment and education. The study investigates the designs of industrial buildings, the problems, regulations and impacts on society when applying this concept, which entails construction of lofts in disused factories and warehouses. Based on statistics from the Rate and Valuation Department, around 8 percent of industrial buildings are vacant in Hong Kong. Donald Lam Ping Kuen, senior information officer for the Planning Department, said the main reason was the retreat of factories from Hong Kong to the Mainland. "Besides, fewer factories are needed as our economy was restructured during the past few years." In response to the change in the economy, the Planning Department started re-arranging industrial zones in Hong Kong years ago. They now regard the construction of industrial lofts as one of the nine most important projects. According to Miss Ann Wong Oi Yee, senior town planner for the Planning Department, To Kwa Wan and Yau Tong were chosen to demonstrate the use of lofts in one of the case studies. Asked about the results of the case studies so far, Miss Wong concluded that they were quite satisfactory. "We have done some investigations in the designs of industrial buildings and we find the idea may be feasible. So we are going to explore more about it." However, Mr. Lam of the Planning Department admitted that there are technical and organizational problems. One of the biggest problems is the calculation of the premium. "Should we charge on the basis of the current method or to introduce a new policy?" he asked. The separation of ownership makes it not easy for all of the owners in the same building to arrive at a consensus. However, both of them emphasized that the project is only at a testing stage . Extensive discussions and public consultations are needed. Stage one public consultation began in February. According to Mr. Tse, there are some drawbacks for the construction of industrial lofts. Said he: "Apart from the need to decorate the unit before moving in, noises and fumes from other factories are also problematic." Mr. Chan Kwok Wing, member of the Hong Kong Airsoft Shooting Union, is not optimistic about the project. "Since factories owners need to spend some money to improve the facilities, rental fee must rise," he said. "For non-profit organizations, they may not benefit because they can’t afford even a small rise in rent." The Hong Kong Airsoft Shooting Union is situated at South China Industry Factory Building in Ngau Tau Kok.

New York City: Birthplace of industrial lofts The notion of industrial lofts means transforming excessive industrial buildings for multiple uses. It originated in the U.S. in the '50s. In the past, there were many industrial towns distributed all around the U.S. But later, the economy of the U.S. was restructured and many industrial buildings and warehouses became vacant. Many industrial towns became economically inactive. Since most of the warehouses and buildings were in good condition, they attracted artists who converted the buildings into galleries and workshops.