YouTube Link:
https://youtu.be/XmA8G7EkMHw?feature=shared
He Ziyi 3035864003
Lin Youyuan 3036278043
Stefaniia Korolkova 3036276681
Transcript (946 Words)
Andi:
Welcome, listeners, to our podcast, where we delve into the revitalization of Graham Street Market, a historic wet market in Central. My name is Andi and I am joined by my co-host Stefania. For years, this bustling market has been an integral part of Hong Kong’s rich cultural fabric, weaving its way through the city’s core. However, as with any dynamic cityscape, Graham Street Market is not immune to change. Amidst its lively ambiance, there’s an unmistakable sense of impending transformation. The future of Graham Street Market hangs precariously in the balance, caught between the forces of urban redevelopment and evolving consumer preferences. Will it embrace modernization at the expense of its traditional soul, or will it manage to retain its essence?
Stefania:
So now join us, as we dissect the complex interplay of factors shaping the destiny of Graham Street Market and contemplate its uncertain trajectory. From its humble beginnings as a street-side market to its current incarnation as a haven for the hip and trendy, this podcast promises to navigate the evolving landscape of Hong Kong’s oldest market, culminating in the inevitable question: will Graham Street Market vanish within the next decade?
Andi:
Now, let’s talk about the background of the area. Established around 160 years ago, the open-air market on Graham Street, Central, is the oldest market existing in Hong Kong. It used to be a wet market, taking advantage of its proximity to the ocean before the land reclamation project pushed the coastline hundreds of metres away. Nowadays, the market is home to tons of stall owners selling fresh vegetables and fruits. Along Graham Street, you can always see people with handbags chatting with the sellers and picking up their choice of fresh products and other supplies. The market not only serves as the place supplying groceries of all kinds but also acts as a community hub for people living nearby to connect in their daily lives.
The market plays an important role in the life of the neighbourhood, contributing to the social viability of the local community. The photo taken captures the moment of the local stall owners and their routine conversation while expecting the customers.
Stefania:
However, despite being a quintessential venue of Hong Kong shopping experience for both local residents and tourists, Graham Street Market faces the looming threat of disappearance for several compelling reasons. Firstly, the spectre of redevelopment looms large, with the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) wielding legal authority to enforce its plans. This could result in the closure or relocation of many stalls, fundamentally altering the market’s character. Back in 2007, the Graham Street Redevelopment Scheme, scheduled for completion in 2024, was announced, and many residents have low expectations for its revamp around that area. As we speak, there is plenty of construction going on in that area, and stalls in Graham Street could be the next casualty of redevelopment.
The picture on the screen displays the proximity of the current construction works to the market. The settings of the market are shrinked/framed in between the high-rise residential units, limiting any potential expansion of the Graham Street.
Andi:
Moreover, the market’s open-air setting poses significant hygiene challenges, exacerbated by the surrounding construction activity and constant flow of vehicular traffic. In an era where food hygiene is paramount, the perception of cleanliness could deter visitors from patronising these traditional stalls. Furthermore, as urban planning trends veer towards modernization, the pressure for the market to conform to contemporary standards becomes increasingly palpable. Situated in one of Hong Kong’s most developed and modernised areas, the market may find itself compelled to embrace urban renewal initiatives, further jeopardising its existence as a bastion of tradition amidst a rapidly evolving cityscape.
With this picture we are endeavouring to communicate how the market is squeezed into the busy narrow street preventing the normal circulation of both pedestrians and the traffic. In fact, the proximity to the traffic road exposes the fresh goods to the dusty polluted air, which could create potential harm for the consumers.
Stefania:
In contemplating the potential demise of Graham Street Market, we uncover a myriad of stakeholders deeply affected by its disappearance. For local residents, this market is more than just a place to purchase goods; it’s a cornerstone of their daily lives and community connections. The loss would evoke sentiments of nostalgia and displacement, as well as concerns about where they’ll turn for their essential needs. Small business owners, who rely on the market for their livelihoods, face the harsh reality of financial strain and uncertainty in the wake of its closure. Meanwhile, tourists and visitors, drawn to Graham Street Market for its authentic charm, would feel a sense of disappointment and loss as they witness the erasure of a cultural landmark. Finally, cultural preservationists lament yet another casualty in the relentless march of urban development, expressing concerns about the preservation of Hong Kong’s rich cultural identity and heritage.
Andi:
In unravelling the multifaceted impact of Graham Street Market’s potential disappearance, we confront the complex interplay of nostalgia, economic survival, and cultural preservation in a rapidly changing urban landscape.
Stefania:
Indeed, through our journey, we’ve uncovered the enduring spirit of this historic marketplace, reflecting the cultural richness of Hong Kong.
Just as the durable presence of plastic bags in Hong Kong’s traditional markets hints at their resilience, the future of Graham Street Market remains shrouded in uncertainty, with the specter of disappearance casting a shadow over its fate, much like a delicate wisp of smoke fading into the air.
Andi:
Yet its legacy will live on through the memories and connections forged within its bustling lanes. Thank you for tuning in to our podcast. Bye!
Reference:
Wright, Adam. “From Street-side Slaughter to Hipster Haven: Re-making the Oldest Wet Market in Hong Kong.” Hong Kong Free Press, June 13, 2021. https://hongkongfp.com/2021/06/13/from-street-side-slaughter-to-hipster-haven-re-making-the-oldest-wet-market-in-hong-kong/