The Designated Demonstration Area, located in LegCo Square adjacent to the main entrance of the Tamar complex in Admiralty, was originally intended as the only authorized location for public petitions and protests in Hong Kong. However, the area has been closed since the 2019 pro-democracy protests, during which activists stormed and vandalized the Legislative Council building. In a statement to media earlier this month, the LegCo Secretariat explained that the repurposing is part of operational adjustments following the completion of expansion works last year.

“Since the completion of the expansion project of the Legislative Council Complex, all 90 LegCo Members and their staff, as well as staff of the LegCo Secretariat, have moved into the Complex and have been working under one roof,” the Secretariat stated. “To meet operational needs, the LegCo Square and the whole area—including the Designated Demonstration Area—outside the main entrances to the Complex have been used as a parking area for Members and visitors to the Complex.”

The LegCo Secretariat has not provided a specific timeline for when the car park arrangement began, though a fact sheet confirms that major expansion works were completed last year. The Secretariat also noted that the use of the area will be kept under review, suggesting that the current arrangement may not be permanent.

Despite the repurposing, the application process for using the Designated Demonstration Area remains available online, according to a February 2026 handbook for lawmakers. The guidelines, which date back to 2018, state that “Members of the public are allowed to stage petitions or demonstrations at the LegCo Square, subject to the terms set out in the ‘Guidelines for staging petitions or demonstrations by individuals and groups at designated demonstration areas in premises managed by The Legislative Council Commission.'” However, the ambiguity surrounding the area’s current status has left many unclear about whether it remains operational for public use.

LegCo Square and the Designated Demonstration Area on April 22, 2026. The area is now being used as a car park for lawmakers and visitors. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

The Historical Context: From Protest Space to Parking Lot

The Designated Demonstration Area has a complex history. It was originally established to provide a controlled space for public petitions and protests, aligning with Hong Kong’s reputation as a city that values open dialogue and civic participation. However, the area was closed during the 2019 pro-democracy protests, a period marked by intense unrest and clashes between activists and police.

In July 2019, a splinter group of protesters stormed the Legislative Council building, breaking windows and raising the former colonial flag. The incident led to widespread condemnation and prompted officials to reconsider the future of the Designated Demonstration Area. Then-Legislative President Andrew Leung suggested in 2023 that the area could reopen by early 2025, but only after ensuring its safety. He dismissed concerns that the closure was politically motivated, stating that the area “can only reopen when we get rid of the glass and can ensure We see safe.”

By August 2025, Leung indicated that the reopening was still under consideration, citing a reduced scale of petition activities as a factor in the decision. “It is necessary to consider whether such a large space is still required,” he noted, reflecting a broader trend of declining public demonstrations in Hong Kong since the implementation of the National Security Law.

Operational Needs vs. Public Access: What Officials Say

The LegCo Secretariat has framed the repurposing of the Designated Demonstration Area as a practical solution to operational challenges. With the number of legislators increasing from 70 to 90, the demand for parking and administrative space has grown significantly. The Secretariat emphasized that the move is temporary and subject to review, though it has not provided a clear timeline for reassessing the area’s use.

When asked whether the Designated Demonstration Area remains available for public use, the Secretariat responded ambiguously, stating that its status is “clear” but did not explicitly confirm whether the area is still operational. This ambiguity has left activists and legal observers uncertain about their rights to stage petitions or protests in the designated space.

Despite the uncertainty, the application process for using the area remains accessible online, suggesting that the LegCo Commission continues to recognize the area’s purpose, even as its physical use has changed. The guidelines for staging petitions or demonstrations, which were last updated in 2018, are still available, though their practical application remains unclear.

Broader Implications: Free Speech and Civic Engagement in Hong Kong

The repurposing of the Designated Demonstration Area is part of a broader trend in Hong Kong that has seen public spaces increasingly repurposed or restricted. Since the implementation of the National Security Law in 2020, the city has experienced a significant decline in large-scale protests. While the law was intended to curb violence and maintain social order, it has also been criticized for stifling dissent and limiting free speech.

For activists and legal observers, the move to repurpose the Designated Demonstration Area is another example of how public spaces designed for civic engagement are being reallocated to serve other purposes. The question now is whether this trend will continue and what it means for Hong Kong’s commitment to open governance and public participation.

Legal experts suggest that the repurposing does not necessarily violate Hong Kong’s legal framework for public demonstrations, as the area was not explicitly designated as a permanent right to protest. However, they argue that the move could set a precedent for further restrictions on public access to legislative spaces. “The repurposing of the Designated Demonstration Area is a clear signal that the government is prioritizing operational needs over public engagement,” said one legal observer. “This could have long-term implications for how Hong Kong’s legislature interacts with its citizens.”

What Happens Next?

The LegCo Commission has indicated that the use of the Designated Demonstration Area will be kept under review. However, without a clear timeline or further details, it remains uncertain when—or if—the area will be restored to its original purpose. Activists and legal observers are watching closely, as the decision could have broader implications for public access to Hong Kong’s legislature.

For now, members of the public who wish to stage petitions or protests can still apply to use the area, though the practical challenges of doing so in a space now used as a car park are significant. The LegCo Secretariat has not provided guidance on how applicants should navigate these challenges, leaving many to wonder whether the area will ever return to its intended use.

As Hong Kong continues to navigate its political and social landscape, the fate of the Designated Demonstration Area serves as a microcosm of the broader tensions between governance and civic engagement. The city’s commitment to transparency and open dialogue will be tested in the coming months as officials decide whether to restore the area to its original purpose or continue its repurposing for other needs.