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The site was occupied by a Chinese City Temple as early as 1843. It was reclaimed by the government and rebuilt to become the Central College, the predecessor of Queen's College. During the Second World War, the building was damaged and the college temporarily moved to Kennedy Road. At 1948, the site was cleared and redeveloped into a Police Married Quarters as it is now. Since 2000, a new redevelopment plan for this over 50-year-old structure was finalized and new homes for the residents were arranged. However, further studies at the site discovered a lot of historic remains left by the Central College. They include granite pillars, pillar base, wind-shielding walls and stairways. Such discoveries prompted the government to preserve the site. Auction was terminated and the site will be turned into an art and creativity centre.

While the Art and Creativity Centre operation is still in the bidding. Plenty of unique art objects are being displayed at the site already. There are even concerts opened to the public at the open space between the two 7-storey buildings during weekends.

The Police Married Quarters are comprised of 2 blocks, the higher block A and the lower block B, which are close to Staunton Street and Hollywood Road respectively. Only the lower stories of the both buildings are opened for visits. Plenty of exhibits are displayed there. They are locally created art objects made by professionals and students alike. It is good experience to visit such a historic place and learn about local culture.

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The exhibition is one thing, the venue itself is another. Do not get too immersed in the exhibits and forget that the place is artistic and historic in its own right. Every patio and each public bathroom records the life of the old Hong Kong. In a place like that, even a broken wall or a damaged mailbox deserves a photo record.

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At the verge of demolition, Wing Lee Street was finally exempted from a redevelopment plan on March this year, thanks to the international award-winning movie "Echoes Of The Rainbow" that was filmed there. The incident is mind-wakening. Local people are more concerned with urban conservation than ever before.

No one will pass through Wing Lee Street if he is not a resident living nearby. It is a no-through road measuring just 0.2km in length. There is no eye-catching building on it neither. When we photograph this little old street, we have to be sensitive to the most unnoticed things. Even a broken lot number plate might prove photo-worthy because it justly reflects the life of the old way.

Since the movie won its award, there are interested visitors flocking into the area everyday, causing disturbances of some kind. When you go there for photography, do not step into private areas such as the staircases of the buildings. Never insist to shoot photos when the residents show their unwillingness.

There is no direct transportation to the 2 spots we have just mentioned. Assuming that you will pay your visit to the Police Quarters first, then you may take the MTR and depart by the D2 Exit. A short walk of about 10 minutes will lead you to the Quarters which is very near Wing Lee Street.

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