Sai Wan Estate (西環邨), constructed in 1958, was located on the hill at Cadogan Street (加多近街). Sai Wan Estate was planned and designed by a British Licensed Architect - Mr. T.S.C. Feltham. The site was in the form of a square. Totally there are five blocks, from 10 storeys to 14 storeys. East Terrace (東苑臺) is an individual block, the other four blocks are connected. Residents moved in East Terrace in late 1958, while the others (North Terrace, West Terrace, South Terrace and Centre Terrace) in early 1959. Total construction cost was HK$89,400,000.

There are totally 8 escalators to serve the whole estate, stopping at every three floors. There are three different dwelling units in Sai Wan Estate, ranging from 5, 7 to ten residents. In 1958 / 1958, the rentals were HK$63, 72 and 88 respectively. Average area per unit is 35 square feet. There are bathroom, kitchen and private balcony in each unit. In view of the living standard in the 50s, the facilities in Sai Wan Estate were already very good.

In 2005, the Housing Department carried out an investigation about the overall structure of housing estates over 40 years in Hong Kong. The result turned out that Sai Wan Estate was safe and able to serve tenants for the coming 15 years.  Regular renovation was needed, of course.

East Terrace (東苑臺)

West Terrace

This was taken from Kwun Lung Lau (觀龍樓).

To provide a better environment, cartoon pictures are commonly found on walls.

Some units have such sea view.

Basically the whole estate is small but every part is still kept in very good condition.

1958

1963

In 2020, Sai Wan Estate will celebrate its 62th birthday. Everybody is not sure whether this day will come. But we should appreciate very much the Housing Department for its maintenance of Sai Wan Estate.

Islet Relics /2013