Opened! Finally finished, Hong Kong-style Bakery!

Late last year, the owner asked us to help process the reuse application to turn the original takeaway shop into a Hong Kong-style bakery and coffee shop. This project was quite challenging for us because the shop is located in the Conservation Area, whether it is a change of use, design of facade, or even signage has to go through a delicate planning and application process and cannot be treated as ordinary practice.

Because within the conservation area, properties generally lost permitted development rights, meaning that all works involving facade changes, signage, exterior colour, etc. need to submit Planning Permission (Application for Planning Permission). The store was formerly a takeaway, the facade mainly adopts bright yellow with red signs, belonging to the more eye-catching colour design.

The owner initially wanted to switch to a more modern turquoise colour with black as a new facade, but since this colour scheme has a greater gap with the traditional architectural style of the surrounding streetscape, after several rounds of negotiations and modifications with the planning department, we suggested changing to a soft pale grey colour with turquoise as an accent. The final plan was approved and successfully passed the Planning!

In addition to the Planning Application, many technical challenges were encountered when applying for Building Control (Building Codes), such as fire safety regulations, ventilation system installation, kitchen design standards, accessibility and overall health & safety requirements. We repeatedly researched the protocol with the fire consultants and engineering firm to ensure that all details were met and in compliance with government regulations.

The owner is very insistent on providing a comfortable, hygienic and Hong Kong-style space for customers, not only selling bread, but also hoping to be a community gathering point. We are very pleased to see that the shop has finally opened successfully!

Remember to visit them when you have time, let's support local shops and Hong Kong-style tastes run with care.