MACAU DAILY TIMES 澳門每日時報Repair progress for Chio Family Mansion slower than expected

THe Progress on repairs at the Chio Family Mansion is slower than expected, said Social Affairs and Culture Secretary Ao Ieong U.

But at the opening ceremony of the city’s first International Children’s Art Festival, the official explained that “internal mapping and research work had been completed.”

As the building will be vacant for a longer period of time and will need to be cleaned up before renovation work can begin, restoration work is expected to start in the last quarter of 2024. The building is expected to be completed in the first quarter of the following year.

“I hope that citizens and young people can not only appreciate the architectural art of the Chio Family Mansion, but also enhance their understanding and promotion of traditional Chinese culture,” said Ao Ieong.

Regarding the ruins of St. Paul’s, Ao Ieong said that research is currently being done to install a lightning rod system.

She said this work is still in the research phase and the most suitable plan will be chosen based on ‘the geographical environment of the area and the value of the historic buildings’.

Beijing’s State Administration of Cultural Heritage will also be consulted during the process. The official said the study is expected to take one to two months, stressing the significance of the Ruins of St. Paul’s, saying that “this is one of the most essential and important cultural relics in Macau’s World Heritage,” which requires a cautious approach in selecting the protection plan.

In addition, the Lai Chi Vun shipyard area is currently being optimized and will be temporarily closed until December.

Ao Ieong said that the main purpose of this project is to improve the contents and methods of the exhibition related to shipbuilding and fisheries.

In addition, the project aims to create recreational facilities for parents and children, integrating catering and recreational elements.

She was optimistic about the outcome, saying, “We hope to launch a new experience during the end-of-year holiday season.” However, she said the optimization project does not include installing a simulated ice rink. Nadia Shaw