TVB interview of Crown Wine Cellars – Breathing New Life into Vacant Government Land Through Short-Term Leases
Crown Wine Cellars was the first public private heritage conservation and adaptive reuse project in Hong Kong. Over the past 25 years, CWC has cemented its position as the “grandfather” example of how to successfully and creatively repurpose idle government facilities through short-term leasing. As highlighted by CWC Company Principal, Gregory DE ‘ EB in a recent in-depth interview on TVB’s “News Magazine” program, what began as a bold concept more than two decades ago, has evolved into a model of sustainable heritage preservation, breathing new life into a neglected military facility and transforming it into a world-class wine cellar and private members Club. In this interview, Greg also sheds light on the challenges, innovations, and broader significance of the project.
Looking back to 2002, Crown’s Chairman and founder, Jim Thompson and Gregory DE ’ EB spotted the untapped potential of a vacant government-owned WW11 ammunition storage facility. Working with the HK Government to find an efficient way forward, they recognised that a short-term tenancy lease presented a flexible solution to utilize this neglected public space. Using his diplomatic skills and strong relationship with Government, DE ‘ EB drove the efforts to secure the agreement.
A key issue addressed in the interview was the methodology behind government rental valuation for such leases. The rate was determined through a transparent, criteria-based assessment conducted by professional surveyors from the Lands Department. This aligns with Hong Kong‘s established framework for short-term government land leases, where market value rents are calculated based on a holistic evaluation of factors including land-use, location, terrain, size, market supply, and demand.
The journey from negotiating the lease to operating a world-class wine cellar has been defined by collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to responsible, sustainable land use. The project remains a source of pride, not just for the Crown Worldwide Group, but also for what it represents to Hong Kong: a blueprint for turning idle government spaces and run-down heritage sites into purposeful assets that benefit both enterprises and the broader community. In short, CWC is a thriving, economically viable, living museum.
The insights shared by Mr DE ’ EB in the TVB interview offer a compelling look at how creative repurposing can unlock the hidden potential of underused government land. As urban landscapes continue to evolve, the Crown Wine Cellars story stands as an enduring example of how vision, perseverance, and responsible innovation can breathe new life into vacant spaces, creating value that resonates far beyond the boundaries of the project itself.
新聞透視｜短期租約形式出租閒置官地 租值如何釐定？｜（繁／簡字幕）｜無綫新聞 ｜TVB News
