Reimagining Hong Kong’s historic Magistracy

Located in the Declared Monument - former Central Magistracy within the Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts, Hong Kong, the ‘Magistracy Dining Room’ was designed by the acclaimed Joyce Wang Studios, who previously collaborated with Purcell on the refurbishment works at Mandarin Oriental, London.

The building forms an important part of the history of the site, being the only structure representing the Magistracy and legal side of operations. Its imposing position and design overlooking Arbuthnot Road, together with its Neo-Classical detailing, contribute to its grandeur and aesthetic value.

Last used as a courthouse in 1979, Purcell had previously overseen adaptive reuse of the former Government building between 2012 and 2018, where conservation work retained and restored much of the internal finishes and joinery whilst modernising the building to unlock potential future uses.

In order to secure the building’s long-term sustainability, Hong Kong-based hospitality group, Black Sheep Restaurants, have fully reactivated the monument. Overcoming several physical and operational challenges posed by the building’s exceptional significance, Black Sheep have skilfully curated a restaurant operation that enables new dining experiences to be hosted and enjoyed within several key spaces. This includes the large courtroom, the central lobby, the magistrates, and solicitors’ chambers.

Curated storytelling, reimagining the interiors into hospitality spaces that evoke timeless London institutions, enrich the visitor experience. Thoughtful interventions by the design team celebrate the authenticity, spatial configuration, and architectural details of the building, and these are augmented with warm interiors that immerse guests in the grandeur of the past.

As the Project Heritage Consultant, Purcell’s role was to advise the design team on the capacity for change, assessing the impacts of the design proposals on the building’s historic fabric and spatial characteristics. Our heritage impact assessment accompanied detailed design submissions to Tai Kwun and the Section 6 application to AMO. The award-winning Magistracy Dining Room and Botanical Garden have been operating since Autumn 2022. The rest of the spaces will open in phases.