Bookings no longer needed for reservoir

Hongkongers will no longer need to make prior appointments to visit the century-old ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir in Shek Kip Mei starting on August 1, the Water Supplies Department said.

Built in 1904, the Romanesque cistern boasts well-preserved pillars and Roman-style arches dating back to the 1900s. The reservoir, which had been abandoned since the 1970s, was unearthed three years ago during demolition, causing the authorities to halt the work amid a public outcry.

Visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the Grade One historical building by the Antiquities Advisory Board can enter from 9am to noon and 2pm to 5pm every day, except the first Tuesday of each month.

Guided tours will be available with one session for groups in the afternoon from Mondays to Fridays and two sessions for individual visitors in the afternoon on Saturdays and Sundays based on a first-come, first-served basis. Details are available on the department's web page.