Statue Square partially closed off for redevelopment

 

Will this be the end for 'Blackman', a favorite meeting place for FDWs in Central?
(photo from Threads@deviantplus)

An iconic landmark in Central fondly dubbed “Blackman” by many foreign domestic workers may soon be gone, or moved from its present location in Statue Square,  as construction gets underway to link the Central MTR station to the new Harbourfront.

The bronze statue of Sir Thomas Jackson along with the fountain , park benches and shelters in the square where many FDWs often meet on Sundays, have been fenced off until 2031 as part of the redevelopment plan.

The statue of the first Chief Manager of HSBC was first unveiled in the square in 1906 but was removed by Japanese forces during the Second World War to be melted down for metal but fortunately survived.

It was moved to its present place in May 1966, when the square underwent major reconstruction as part of Hong Kong’s greening campaign.

'Blackman' has been in this spot in Statue Square since 1966

Photos posted online show the raised platform where the statue stands has been boarded up, and is already being demolished.

However, more than 70% of the garden’s remaining area including most leisure spaces and walkways have been kept open.

But there will be major disruptions, with the first two phases of the project requiring excavation and tunnel construction over 45 months, or nearly four years.  

Chater Road, where many Filipinos gather on Sundays and holidays, will be used for hauling construction materials, and the existing bus stop there will be relocated about 10 meters to the east.

The third phase which will take another 12 months, will restore parts of Statue Square once the tunnel is completed.

However, nothing is mentioned in the plans as to whether “Blackman” will be returned to where it has lorded over for the past 120 years.