Impact report for border crossing revamp approved despite concerns over temple

Heritage advisers have approved an impact report for the redevelopment of Hong Kong’s Sha Tau Kok border checkpoint despite concerns that construction could affect a nearby temple holding monument status.At a meeting on Thursday, members of the Antiquities Advisory Board gave the green light to the heritage impact assessment for the project and its associated works.The project will involve demolishing the existing control point facility and constructing two major buildings connected by a footbridge.But concerns have been raised that the plan could affect Hip Tin Temple, a declared monument located just outside the project site. The structure, dedicated to “God of Martial Arts” Kwan Tai, was constructed between 1894 and 1895.It is also one of the few remaining main temples associated with Tung Wo Market, which was operated by the village alliance “Shap Yeuk” that dominated the local economy between the 1830s and 1930s.According to the impact assessment, the construction of the new facility, including the foundation works, could cause “changes in ground or water levels, as well as settlement, tilting or vibration” that would affect the temple.