From pro-isolation to pro-holistic integration : a comparative case study of WWII coastal fortification in Hong Kong, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Sentosa and North Tyneside

Abstract

WWII military heritage have taken a critical role in the Battle of Hong Kong, representing collective memory and post-war reconciliation of Hong Kong citizens. However, many remains, such as Fort Jubilee, do not receive the protection they deserve. This dissertation aims to investigate the merits and demerits of different conservation models worldwide and suggest an improved model for Fort Jubilee. To achieve the above research aims, four objectives are developed: 1) To investigate Current Heritage Status; 2) To investigate the Effectiveness of Heritage Governance; 3) To investigate the Level of Social and Cultural Integration; 4) To investigate the Level of Sustainable Heritage Tourism Development. Three comparative cases address these objectives: “Fort Nepean in Mornington Peninsula Shire, Tynemouth Castle Battery in North Tyneside, and Fort Siloso in Sentosa.” Primary data, including on-site investigations, interviews, and archival records, are collected in different countries and used to address loopholes in secondary materials such as legislation, conservation masterplans, and research papers. The result shows that Fort Jubilee is recognized as the Pro-Isolation model, which is far underperforming compared to oversee cases. The result corresponding to objective 1 shows that conserving heritage as an integral complex is a fundamental principle in top-tier models. Meanwhile, certain levels of contemporary adaptation of the heritage landscape are standard in top-tier models, especially regarding the nature of outdoor military structures in remote regions. Furthermore, the result corresponding to objective 2 shows that fragmented heritage management is a unique challenge in Fort Jubilee, resulting from the defective institutional structure and the absence of effort from the planning division. In addition, robust statutory protection regarding non-monumental heritage, large-scale heritage landscape, and intangible heritage values is standard in top-tier models. On the other hand, the result corresponding to objective 3 shows that a high level of multi-valued interpretation, multi-era narrative, and community integration is standard in top-tier models. Moreover, the result corresponding to objective 4 shows that high tourism attractiveness and sustainable funding or investment mechanisms are common in top-tier models. Therefore, the result demonstrates the potential gaps to be filled to transform Fort Jubilee into a more advanced conservation model. Potential implications include: 1) Suggestion on Local modification based on the comparative insights; 2) Identification of unique pattern of the Pro-Isolation model in Fort Jubilee; 3) Recommendation of appropriate prioritization on the enhancement work.