The Government of Hong Kong commissioned a feasibility study for the creation of an independent heritage trust in 2012-13. The study reviewed heritage management and conservation challenges in Hong Kong, the government role in the heritage sector and that of civil society and academic organisations, and gaps in functions.
On the basis of an analysis of remit, responsibilities, and resources of a new trust, the study examined the institutional and financial requirements of a new trust and examined alternative forms of a heritage trust. It asked key questions: why is a trust needed, what might a trust do, does it need to be a statutory body, can popular support be mobilised, and is a membership based heritage organisation possible?
It proposed the structure of the new trust, with suggestions for staffing. It also analysed start-up and operational costs and options for ongoing financial support. It recommended an organisational structure including board and governance structure and provided outline Terms of Reference for the key positions.