Old convent aims to reinvent itself

The convent building of the Maryknoll Convent School, with an iconic red brick facade, will be revitalized into a center for heritage, community service and education, the school foundation said.

To commemorate the centenary of the secondary school, the project will commence with a HK$91 million donation from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. The school said the advanced construction work is set to begin in July, with completion in 2027.

The building initially served as an "industrial department" where underprivileged young women gained financial independence by learning sewing, embroidery skills and religious vestments since opening in 1937.

In the 1970s, Maryknoll Sisters used it as a dormitory until the foundation took possession of it in 2019.

"We recognize that the foundation has inherited not just a beautiful historical building but also a mission dedicated to education and female empowerment," said Cordelia Chung, chairperson of MCS Foundation.