The building was originally named Homi Villa, it was built by a private developer, Jehangir H. Ruttonjee, in the early 1930s. It was later bought by the Hong Kong Government and used as staff quarters for British army officers. For example, it served as the residence of Sir Philip Haddon-Cave, the Financial Secretary between 1971 and 1982.
It was converted into the Airport Core Programme Exhibition Centre in 1995 by the New Airport Projects Co-ordination Office (NAPCO), it opened in early 1996.[1] During the first six months of operation 100,000 people visited the centre, with weekends averaging more than 2,000 visitors.[2] To help contend with the popularity opening hours were extended to public holidays.[2]
Although the Airport Core Programme was completed in 1998 with the opening of the Hong Kong International Airport, the exhibition centre remains open as of November 2017.[3]
Facilities
There are five exhibition areas, displaying models, photos and descriptions of the 10 airport-related projects to give a full picture of the entire construction project of the Hong Kong International Airport.
Permanently mounted rooftop binoculars are available for visitors to view Tsing Ma Bridge which links Tsing Yi on the east to Ma Wan on the west, crossing Ma Wan Channel. It is part of the Lantau Link which, with three long span bridges, links the New Territories and Chek Lap Kok, where the Hong Kong International Airport is located.