Hong Kong to consider historic grade status for popular Kennedy Town seaside photo spot

Hong Kong is contemplating granting historic grade status to a scenic waterfront spot in Kennedy Town, which has become a popular photo opportunity for mainland tourists. The seawall in New Praya, Kennedy Town, is being considered for Grade 2 status, indicating that "efforts should be made to selectively preserve" it. The Antiquities and Monuments Office will seek public feedback on the heritage appraisal of the site through a one-month consultation period.

Kennedy Town, a quiet neighborhood on the western side of Hong Kong Island, has gained notoriety on the mainland Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu due to its popularity among tourists. A branch of the Japanese coffee chain % Arabica sits nearby, and the street sign leading to the sea, which promotes the location, is a frequent spot for tourists to take photos.

The government is also deliberating on constructing a detached boardwalk along the New Praya waterfront to improve the visitor experience while maintaining the view for social media enthusiasts. This proposed development would involve minor reclamation, according to development chief Bernadette Linn. In 2022, Hong Kong's legislature approved legislation making it simpler for the government to reclaim land in Victoria Harbour, removing the requirement for a "compelling public need" to be met before reclamation projects could be approved.

Following its enactment, Linn raised concerns about "soft resistance" against reclamation projects. Shortly after, the Society for the Protection of the Harbour, which had advocated for the preservation of the harbour's remaining waters for decades, decided to dissolve.