Wan Chai Fire Station
435 Hennessy Road
Wan Chai Fire Station is the oldest fire station still standing in Hong Kong. Its maroon facade and retro-style balconies distinguish it from other fire stations in the city, which have followed a standard design since 1958. In 1966, Hong Kong experienced a drought so severe that the Water Authority put a ban in place, during which fire stations had to share their water supply with the general public and would only receive water every four days until the drought ended.
Wan Chai Fire Station stands next to the Canal Road flyover on Hennessy Road. Evelyn Phoa would pass by the Wan Chai Fire Station every day on her way to school. “I couldn’t help but wonder what was happening behind those doors,” she says. The four-storey building houses offices, a canteen, dormitory for on-duty firemen, a recreation room, kitchen and bathroom, married quarters and more.
More Stories
Causeway Bay: Then & Now
Feature
Causeway Bay embodies the many facets of Hong Kong – the fast pace, fascinating contrasts and dynamic energy. From the city’s very beginning to the present day, its diversity and vibrancy makes it a beloved neighbourhood.
-
Cloye Anna
Kid of Causeway Bay
-
Candy Cheung
Shun Kee Typhoon Shelter Seafood Owner
“We grew up here on the water. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Causeway Bay typhoon shelter used to be filled with these floating restaurants, but by the 90s, they’d begun to disappear. Some of the few that remained eventually shut down and opened up on-land instead…
-
The Lee Gardens Hotel
Joseph Yung, former General Manager and Toh Toh Ma, former Chief Executive
Even now, 25 years after its doors closed for the last time, the legacy of Lee Gardens Hotel lives on in the memory of those who called the hotel their home…
-
Paul & Jocelyn
Lovebirds of Causeway Bay
Jocelyn: “I moved to Hong Kong from the Chicago suburbs at the age of 11. Causeway Bay was a total assault on the senses in the best way possible – there is so much energy and vibrancy, but also an an instant connection to the pulse of Hong Kong.”
-
Cynthia Leung
Owner, Cat Store
It all started 18 years ago when my partner ‘Ah Mao’ (Cat) and I had an vintage store on Percival Street. She collected a lot and we soon ran out of space…
-
Giselle
Kid of Causeway Bay
“Today I’m with Mummy in Causeway Bay before she takes me to playgroup. We’re enjoying looking at all the plants sold here…
-
Ryan, Ryan, Jacky, Danny
Basketball players
Danny: “I play basketball here a few times a week. I also go to Southern Stadium because my school is there but I prefer Victoria Park because I can get to know more…
-
Mr Chu
Owner, Kung Wo Tong
“Kung Wo Tong is a family business that can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty when herbal turtle jelly was consumed frequently. We first opened on Temple Street…
Celebrating Causeway Bay
Feature
A neighbourhood in flux, Causeway Bay’s constant evolution keeps residents and visitors coming back for more. Whether it’s fashion, food, film or art, it’s a part of Hong Kong that keeps people mesmerised and inspired.
Causeway Bay: Then & Now
Feature
Causeway Bay embodies the many facets of Hong Kong – the fast pace, fascinating contrasts and dynamic energy. From the city’s very beginning to the present day, its diversity and vibrancy makes it a beloved neighbourhood.
-
Cynthia Leung
Owner, Cat Store
It all started 18 years ago when my partner ‘Ah Mao’ (Cat) and I had an vintage store on Percival Street. She collected a lot and we soon ran out of space…
-
Giselle
Kid of Causeway Bay
“Today I’m with Mummy in Causeway Bay before she takes me to playgroup. We’re enjoying looking at all the plants sold here…
-
Ryan, Ryan, Jacky, Danny
Basketball players
Danny: “I play basketball here a few times a week. I also go to Southern Stadium because my school is there but I prefer Victoria Park because I can get to know more…
-
Mr Chu
Owner, Kung Wo Tong
“Kung Wo Tong is a family business that can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty when herbal turtle jelly was consumed frequently. We first opened on Temple Street…
