1881Heritage::Hong Kong::Tsim Sha Tsui::Marine Police Headquarters Compound

Although Hong Kong is a small place, it developed rapidly over the century following the British occupation. By 1997, just before the handover, the urban development in the city had reached a considerably high level. Given the constraints of limited space and the already highly developed environment, most people would think it’s hard for anything new to emerge, especially in bustling downtown areas. But amazingly, every time you visit after some time has passed, there’s always something new worth exploring — and “1881 Heritage” is a prime example of this.



 

From the 1880s to 1996, the current site of “1881” was home to the Marine Police Headquarters. This landmark in the prime location of Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui might have been a place many people preferred not to go near in the past. However, thanks to the strong push by Hong Kong’s well-known developer Cheung Kong Holdings and the local government, this collaborative development project was finally realized, giving new life to this old building.

The reason it is named after the number “1881” is that the office of the former Marine Police Headquarters has been located here since 1881. Its main building was designated as a declared monument of Hong Kong in 1994 (the former Kowloon Fire Station and quarters were added later), which gives it significant historical value. That’s why it’s called “1881 Heritage” (known as 1881 in Chinese).

“1881” consists of five buildings, including the former Marine Police Headquarters Main Building, former stables, former Time Ball Tower, and former Kowloon Fire Station quarters. The architectural style is predominantly Victorian, full of colonial charm.

The restored “1881” complex now houses international luxury brand stores, trendy restaurants, a heritage hotel, and a small exhibition hall themed around the historic site. Outside the main building, remnants such as former artillery batteries from the Marine Police Headquarters era can still be seen, highlighting the area’s historical importance in safeguarding the harbor.