The site was the first permanent police station built in the New Territories following the 1898 lease to Britain.
The complex was constructed on a small hill locally known as 'Wan Tau Kok' to provide strategic surveillance of Tolo Harbour.
During the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong, the station was used as a military headquarters and later as a base for the Kempeitai.
The project won a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2016 for its integration of historical and environmental objectives.
The site uses a 'low-carbon' food menu in its on-site cafe, sourcing ingredients from organic farms to reduce transport emissions.
Several original native trees on the grounds are registered in the Register of Old and Valuable Trees of Hong Kong.
Green Hub occupies the former Old Tai Po Police Station, a Grade I historic building complex constructed in 1899 to consolidate British administration in the New Territories. The site was revitalized by Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden into a sustainable living laboratory focusing on conservation and education. It retains original architectural features including fireplaces, cell blocks, and a distinctive veranda system designed for sub-tropical ventilation. The grounds feature a preserved hillock with original native trees and an edible garden that demonstrates permaculture techniques. Visitors can explore heritage galleries that document the site's transformation from a colonial outpost to an environmental education center. The complex maintains a low-carbon footprint operation, utilizing solar water heating and natural lighting systems.
The upper floor veranda offering views of the preserved architecture against the backdrop of the surrounding mature woodland.
Wear comfortable, flat walking shoes to navigate the hillock paths and uneven historic floors.
Bring a reusable water bottle to use the site's filtered water stations in line with their sustainability mission.
Check the official website for scheduled guided heritage tours, as some interior historical rooms are best understood with context.
Avoid arriving without checking the website for private events, as the facility sometimes closes for conservation workshops or institutional meetings.
Closed on Tuesdays.
Maintain a quiet, respectful tone in historical galleries and practice 'leave no trace' principles within the garden areas.
