Bruce Lee museum approved by officials

Bruce Lee in the 1970 film Jing wu men or The Chinese Connection
Bruce Lee in the 1970 film Jing wu men or The Chinese Connection

A bid by a Hong Kong tycoon to preserve the one-time estate of martial arts icon Bruce Lee, and transform it into a museum and tourist attraction, was approved, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The decision comes after a long struggle by fans to save the 5,700-square-foot, two-story home from the fate of becoming a seedy “love” motel at it’s suburban Kowloon location.

The fate of Lee’s last place of residence, was undetermined for years, until owner Yu Pang-lin, made a surprise decision last year to donate it to the city where the martial arts master first shot to fame.

Yu told reporters after a meeting with government officials

“Both sides have now reached a consensus to go ahead and essentially proceed with this good plan…I’m 88 years old now and hope that while I’m still alive I’ll be able to see this Bruce Lee museum completed.”

Hong Kong’s Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said it has agreed to preserve the original outlook of the building and its features, with an aim to revitalize it for long-term sustainable operation as a tourism attraction.