Peel Street (Chinese: 卑利街) is located in Central, Hong Kong. It is named after Sir Robert Peel, a two-time British prime minister.
History The road was built in the 1840s, at the start of the colonial era, and named for British prime minister Sir Robert Peel. Initially settled by Westerners, the Chinese became the dominant ethnic group in the 1870s, and the expatriates had all but gravitated towards Conduit Road in the Mid-Levels by the 1950s.Frew McMillan, Alex (26 June 2011) "Street talk: Peel Street". Post Magazine (South China Morning Post)
Wai Siu-pak, founder of Yee Tin Tong pharmacy, once lived in Wise Mansion, a large house at the top of Peel Street next to Robinson Road. The section of Peel Street between Hollywood Road and Staunton Street was known for its calligraphers, who specialised in making signboards in the 1950s and 1960s. The part below Hollywood Road was well known for its Indian curry restaurants. However, expensive rents have driven these trades out of the area, to be replaced by modern tower blocks. The century-old Graham Street market is located in the lower reaches of Peel Street.
Description Peel Street is a long, narrow street which begins at its northern tip in Queen's Road Central, and climbs southwards into the Mid-Levels, where it terminates at the corner of Mosque Junction, directly beneath the Central–Mid-Levels escalator. It is largely pedestrianised, with only certain sections open to traffic, and generally has the quality of a ladder street.
Peel Street's greatest claim to fame was the Ho Hei Kee Umbrella Maker () shop, run by Ho Hung-hei, which had attracted the attention of the media when he received a Guinness World Record for producing the world's most expensive umbrella. Ho died in 2015 after closing shop his the previous year.
There is a shrine dedicated to Pak Kung (), situated just below the junction with Staunton Street.
Redevelopment plan The Urban Renewal Authority announced the Peel Street/Graham Street redevelopment project on 26 February 2007 with the intention of breathing new life into the area.Peel Street / Graham Street Project Urban Renewal Authority Since the project focused on the historic Peel Street market, it sparked much interest in the conservation of Hong Kong culture."Marked for Death". HK magazine:, 20 July 2007"Market Raiders" . HK magazine. 14 September 2007"Market Values" . HK magazine. 1 February 2008
Gallery
See also List of streets and roads in Hong Kong
References
External links
(in English) All Buildings on Peel Street with Pictures (2019), OneDay About Ho Hei Kee Umbrella , City Magazine