By LAWRENCE TAN

Recognized as one of the four oldest government buildings in Hong Kong, and declared a national monument in 1994, the former Marine Police Headquarters celebrates a new lease of life after a posh makeover which will include a boutique hotel, restaurants and bars, a luxury shopping mall, and cultural spaces.

Now renamed as “1881 Heritage”, also known as the Hullett House, the project is the brainchild of aqua restaurant group’s founder David Yeo, and is scheduled to officially open in late October.

Yeo said: “Hong Kong’s heritage is not widely celebrated yet we have such a rich and diverse culture and many unique traditions. Hullett House is “by Hong Kong. For Hong Kong… We give you old Hong Kong.”

Hullett House’s location in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui affords breathtaking views of the Hong Kong cityscape and Victoria Harbor.

The spacious design-themed suites in the House’s resident hotel range 600 to 800 sq ft, and draw a mish-mash of references – from imperial China to the English countryside and contemporary Chinese pop art.

An interesting fact, though, is that the “1881” in the House’s new moniker does not refer to the year in which the building was constructed; the former HQ was in fact completed in 1884. The House also briefly served as a Japanese naval base during the Japanese Occupation (1941-1945).

1881 Heritage