Central Police Station
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The Central Police Station is located at Hollywood Road, in Central, Hong Kong.
It was built in 1864, and other blocks were added between 1910 and 1925. Many police stations were built during this period because a huge amount of people moved to Hong Kong from mainland China and thus peace and order had to be maintained. This four-story grey building has a classical style, as it is built with Doric-style columns. With its long history and antiquated architectural style, the Central Police Station stands as a mute testimony symbolizing Hong Kong's colonial heritage. In the past, the police station was used as the headquarters of the police; however, its importance declined when the new police headquarters was built in Wan Chai after World War II. Today it still functions as a police station, dormitory as well as prison, and is used as both the Hong Kong Island Regional Police Headquarters and the Central District Police Headquarters.
However, the Central Police Station will have to face a reconstruction in the near future since the Government intends to convert the Police Station and the magistracy into modern food plazas, a museum and an art gallery. Besides, the Victoria prison is also designated to be converted into either a theatre or a museum. They will then become tourist spots using their historical backgrounds to attract visitors.
The Central Police Station Compound is a declared monument of Hong Kong.