Johnston Road, not far from Wedding Card Street in northern Wan Chai, is one place where history looks set to disappear.
Under threat, in particular, are five fine pre-war buildings with special character, including a row of four Cantonese terrace-style buildings and a four-story shophouse building in nearby Ship Street.
But residents seem resigned to change in the crowded street, where trams rumble past old pawn shops, Western fast-food stores, mobile phone shops and old-style market stalls.
"When something gets old, it should be replaced, otherwise the whole city will become a slum," said the owner of Wo Cheung Pawn Shop, which recently moved across the street to make way for the demolition men.
"If you are given a good sum of money, why wouldn't you move out?"
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