Unlike most harbour cities Hong Kong never fully developed water-side residential accommodation to any degree. In the past, waterfront development concentrated on highly industrialised wharves, dockyards, ferry piers etc. Until recent years very little was given over to public residential space. However, in1957 one unlikely residential building on the waterside was giving residents a panoramic close-up view of harbour activities.
North Point House was within Hong Kong Electric’s power station complex on Electric Road providing accommodation for senior staff and contractors working on the site.
Since electric power stations became essential to the life of Hong Kong they have had on-site accommodation (apartments, dormitories kitchens etc. for essential operational staff. Generally, to ensure electricity supplies continue uninterrupted 27/7 in the event of typhoons, weather events or civil disturbances that could prevent staff accessing the facilities.