BUILT AND CIVIC LEGACY
Pre-War Era
After serving as Deputy Comprador at Russell & Co., Mr. Siu Un gradually earned a reliable reputation for the construction of civic and public work infrastructure projects by the early 1900s, notably including the Kowloon Canton Railway (British Section) and the Lee Theatre in Causeway Bay.
He also devoted himself to nurturing his heirs, who would later emerge as notable figures in Hong Kong’s construction and architectural sector, while also expanding holdings through land acquisitions in the modern-day areas of Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, Kennedy Road and Happy Valley.
In the 1920s, during the final decade of his life, and at a time when access to modern medical care remained limited for the Chinese community in Hong Kong, Mr. Siu Un made a key contribution towards the establishment of the Tung Wah Eastern Hospital. This early act of philanthropy not only addressed an urgent social need but also exemplified our enduring dedication to the welfare of the local community. Nearly a century later, the Grade II listed hospital still stands as heritage architecture.
Post-War Reconstruction and
SOCIETAL NEEDS
In the decades following the Second World War, members of the family contributed as architects and general contractors in supporting the City’s transformative urban expansion.
Meanwhile, other family members contributed towards societal causes in line with Mr. Siu Un’s initial donation towards the construction of the Tung Wah Eastern Hospital in the 1920s - for example, Mr. P.S. Siu’s donation towards the first local haemodialysis procedure carried out at the Queen Mary Hospital (Source: Wah Kiu Yat Po Newspaper; 22 December 1962, p.7); and his earlier service in 1934-35 on the Board of the Tung Wah Hospital Group (Source: Tung Wah Hospital Group website).
The projects below represent a selection of Post-War architectural and urban development projects that members of the family were involved with.
Sources:
The primary source used to collate the project information below is the HK and Far East Builder Journal (year/issue no./page reference, as cited and hyperlinked to the University of Hong Kong Libraries Digital Repositories).
In addition, the China Mail, Wah Kiu Yat Po Newspaper and the HK Buildings Department’s official filing portal BRAVO were also used, as cited and hyperlinked to the Hong Kong Public Libraries Digital Collection.
The projects relating to Mr. Siu Un were documented on his epitaph at the Aberdeen Chinese Permanent Cemetery.
The two projects denoted with an (*) are based on family oral histories and remain subject to ongoing research and citation.
South Sea Textile Manufacturing
Co. (Tsuen Wan; 1948):
A large-scale facility that marked the inception of Hong Kong’s emergence as a textile hub in that era. General Contractor: Siu Kin & Co.*
Printing house (duddell streeT; China mail 6 Dec 1950 P.12):
Among the first printing establishments in Hong Kong. It catered to the expanding needs of local media, charitable and commercial enterprises. A 20 floor extension was built in 1980 on top of the original 1950s building. Architect: Leigh & Orange; General Contractor: Siu Kin & Co.
HIP CHEONG GLASS FACTORY (SHAU KI WAN; HK Far East builder 1952 Nov/Dec p.36):
One of the earlier glass factories in Hong Kong, during a period when it was transitioning to a manufacturing based economy beyond textiles. Architect: G.W. Grey; General Contractor: Siu Kin & Co.
VILLA MAGNOLIA (sassoon Rd; HK FAR EAST BUilder 1953 Nov/dec p.47):
The chief residence of Dr. Coxion To (one of the City’s earliest locally trained Chinese doctors), on Sassoon Road in Pokfulam. In 1985 the site was redeveloped into a complex, Magnolia Villas, comprising seven detached houses. Architect: CT Siu and CY Siu while working in the office of G.W. Grey.
State theatre (king’s road; BRAVO BD 1952):
Architecturally significant structure distinguished by the innovative use of parabolic concrete arches. In 2017, it was designated as a Grade I listed historic building. Architect: Messrs. G.W. Grey / S.F. Liu and latterly, the firm G.W. Grey & Co. led by Authorised Architect: Mr. C.T. Siu.
Alexandra House (Des Voeux Road; Phase 1; 1951-2):
A challenging development in Central, amalgamating historic sites including the Royal Buildings and Cecil Hotel. Alexandra House housed many British firms, and the offices of the family's construction and latterly, architecture business, Siu Kin & Co. and G.W. Grey & Co. (after Mr. Grey’s retirement), on the 10th Floor. Sub/contractor: Siu Kin & Co.*
CABLE & WIRELESS BUILDING (HUNG HOM; HK Far East Builder 1950 Mar/Apr P.66):
This building was erected for the Lines Department which is entrusted to upkeep the Government land lines. Architect: G.W. Grey; General Contractor: Siu Kin & Co.
CAXTON HOUSE (DUDDELL St; HK Far East Builder 1953 JUL/AUG P.9):
A six floors office and arcade building, spanning 5,550 sqft. In 1983 a 20 floor extension was built on top and is now known as “1 Duddell Street". Architect: Leigh & Orange; General Contractor: Siu Kin & Co.
CHINA FLEET CLUB EXTENSION (HK Far East Builder 1953 Sep/oct p.7):
The strip of land between the HKRNVR and the China Fleet Club was used to build an extension to the Club. Architect: Leigh & Orange; General Contractor: Siu Kin & Co.
Morrision MEMORIAL CENTRE (PRINCE EDWARD RD; HKFEB 1960 Vol. 15 No.2 p.52):
Described by the Far Eastern Builder as “the happy blend of functionalism and aestheticism” which housed the Chinese Presbyterian Church, Hip Woh School and the headquarters of the Hong Kong district association of the Church of Christ in China. Architects: Leigh & Orange, N.J. Chien; General Contractor: Siu Kin & Co.
ST STEPHEN’s CHURCH hong Kong (BONHAM rOAD; Far East ARCHITECT & Builder 1965 Sep P.51):
Architects: N.J. Chien, latterly Wong Ng Ouyang & Associates. General Contractor: Siu Kin & Co.
Catholic Mission School of the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church (Rutter St; HKFEB 1961 vol 15 no.6 p. 48, BRAVO BD 1967):
A project that supported the expansion of Catholic educational institutions in Hong Kong. Architect: Mr. C.T. Siu.
Canossa primary school (WTS, kowloon; Far East Builder 1969 apr P.19):
A project that supported the expansion of Catholic educational institutions in Hong Kong. Architect: Leigh & Orange. General Contractor: Siu Kin & Co.
SKH Tang SHIU KIN SECONDARY SCHOOL auditorium (MORRISION HILL; FAR EAST BUILDER 1970 AUG p.21):
A project that supported the expansion of Anglican educational institutions in Hong Kong. The distinct octagonal shaped auditorium is notable for being completely column free inside. Architect: Wong Ng Ouyang & Associates. General Contractor: Technic Investment and Construction Co. Site formation sub-contractor: Siu Kin & Co.
