The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) announced that its first redevelopment cum preservation project at Johnston Road in Wanchai was completed. A row of four Cantonese verandah shophouses at the Johnston Road, including a pawn shop formerly known as "Wo Cheong", have been revitalised for adaptive re-use, standing in harmony with the new development in the neighbourhood. This project exemplifies vividly the possible co-existence of the old and the new in redevelopment if new thinking is adopted.

     The Johnston Road project, being a flagship project of the URA, is located at the heartland of old Wanchai which is full of historical elements and cultures. In addition to preserving four unique shophouses of Cantonese verandah-type and No.18, Ship Street, the project acts as a catalyst to revive economic activities in the neighbourhood. After six years for planning and renovation, the buildings have been restored and used as specialty restaurants.