The Warehouse Teenage Club

Teenager's second home

Logo of The Warehouse Teenage Club.

Photos & text by Carol Wong, Cindy Lam, Dionne Yuen & Emily Lai

Passing by an altar on Aberdeen Main Road, there is a long, steep path leading up to a little knoll, where lies red brick building. During the 19th century, this 2-storey building was the earliest Aberdeen Police Station.

The solemnity of the monotone walls is long gone, long since replaced by brightly colored graffiti murals. Today it is The Warehouse Teenage Club, a non-profit organization that promotes positive activities for Hong Kong’s youth.

Early in 1992, the founder, Prof. Frank White, recognized that teenagers in Hong Kong were often prone to alcohol and drug abuse. He was aware of the need to provide a welcoming and healthy place of interest for teenagers.

In 1995, he materialized his aspirations by turning the Aberdeen Police Station into the club, which was leased by the government.

The derelict, red brick building is now classified as a protected cultural structure by the government.

With its aim to encourage creativity and versatile development for teenagers, the club has attracted more than 590 members this year.

Though the club specifically targets members aged 13 to 25, people of all ages are welcome to join.

The club is equipped with lots of facilities for members. For artistic youngsters, there are a darkroom for photography, a DJ scratching room, a band studio, a technology center and a pottery room. For those who are more inclined to sports, there are a gymnasium, a dance studio, a basketball court, a skateboarding rink, and even a dormitory. The club offers instructive workshops on all these facilities for interested youngsters. Band shows, barbecues and parties are also held regularly.

Though the club suffers from a shortage of funds and is decreasing in popularity, its mission remains the same: to serve as a second home for teenagers and to teach them confidence, creativity, and responsibility.

Left: The corridor facing Shek Pai Bay. (Dionne Yuen)Right: Graffiti along the path leading to the club. (Cindy Lam)

Left: Graffiti has been on the basketball court ever since the opening of the Warehouse. Right: Mosaic tables and chairs in the open area. (Cindy Lam)

Cartoons on the doors of the washroom. (Cindy Lam)

The DJ scratchin room. (Carol Wong)

Left: A graffiti workshop is offered by the club. (Cindy Lam) Right: A percussion class is held every Sunday morning. (Emily Lai)

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