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.
-
Irene Lee
Chairman of Hysan Development
There are very few people who know the origin of a suburb, let alone one as integral to Hong Kong as Causeway Bay. But for Irene Lee, granddaughter of Lee Hysan and current chairman of Hysan Development, she can look back on the neighbourhood’s inception…
-
Mimosa Lee
Salesperson
“My favourite thing in Causeway Bay? The sound of the peanut shells crunching under my feet at Inn Side Out back when it was in Sunning Plaza. I had some great…
-
Christine Tsoi
Marketing Manager
“As a child, I would walk along this street on my way to school. I didn’t know then that decades later, I would still be passing by these same pigeons…
-
Mr Cheng
Owner, Paris Cotton Singlets Company
My father and I were refugees who came to Hong Kong in 1948. At first, he worked at a construction site for HK$5 a day. We rented half a store and set up a…
-
Uke
Performer of Causeway Bay
“I’m wearing makeup and costume that I bought in Indonesia for performances and competitions. I’ve just finished buying something here in Causeway Bay…
-
Co-working in Causeway Bay
Nancy Yip, Area Director, IWG and Thomas Hui, Co-founder & CEO, theDesk
For Thomas Hui, it’s all about building communities. He’s the co-founder and CEO of theDesk, a co-working brand with four offices in Hong Kong, and one upcoming office in Shanghai. For Nancy Yip, it’s about creating a welcoming environment. She’s the Area Director for International Workplace Group…
-
Chien Lee
Chairman of Bei Shan Tang Foundation
For Chien Lee, Chairman of the Bei Shan Tang Foundation, a passion and support for Chinese culture and the arts has always been in his blood. Grandson of Lee Hysan and son of Dr. Jung Sen Lee…
-
Otto Leong
A childhood spent at Lee Theatre
Lee Theatre was once one of the city’s most glamorous institutions. Standing at the very edge of Percival Street, it opened to the public in 1927 and hosted a range of shows from Cantonese opera to film screenings, and even the Miss Hong Kong pageant during its heyday…
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.
-
Uke
Performer of Causeway Bay
“I’m wearing makeup and costume that I bought in Indonesia for performances and competitions. I’ve just finished buying something here in Causeway Bay…
-
Co-working in Causeway Bay
Nancy Yip, Area Director, IWG and Thomas Hui, Co-founder & CEO, theDesk
For Thomas Hui, it’s all about building communities. He’s the co-founder and CEO of theDesk, a co-working brand with four offices in Hong Kong, and one upcoming office in Shanghai. For Nancy Yip, it’s about creating a welcoming environment. She’s the Area Director for International Workplace Group…
-
Chien Lee
Chairman of Bei Shan Tang Foundation
For Chien Lee, Chairman of the Bei Shan Tang Foundation, a passion and support for Chinese culture and the arts has always been in his blood. Grandson of Lee Hysan and son of Dr. Jung Sen Lee…
-
Otto Leong
A childhood spent at Lee Theatre
Lee Theatre was once one of the city’s most glamorous institutions. Standing at the very edge of Percival Street, it opened to the public in 1927 and hosted a range of shows from Cantonese opera to film screenings, and even the Miss Hong Kong pageant during its heyday…
