NEW JOCKEY CLUB GRANDSTAND BUILDING
Architects:
Messrs. Leigh & Orange
Last summer saw the demolition of the old main grandstand block of the Hong Kong Jockey Club in Happy Valley and the erection of a new building to replace it, together with alterations and improve ments to the existing north wing and pad- dock. The whole operation was carried out in the amazingly short period of about five months between late April and mid- October.
After piling was completed, the super structure was erected at an average rate of one floor in eight days. The use of rapid hardening cement and continual day and night work by three shifts of workmen were factors, among others, in achieving this unusually rapid rate of progress.
Site Formation
After the demolition of the old premises, which took about one month, the cleared area became available for piling operations. These suffered considerable delay due to unforeseen foundation problems, such as the
General view of the Jockey Cub buildings
Design
The
vertical transport by means of escalators and lifts to enclosure, dining room, bar,
old premises had become quite
for greatly increased attendance at race Planning inadequate to provide normal amenities etc.
meetings. resulting in overcrowding and general inconvenience to members. new building was, therefore, designed to overcome such deficiencies.
The
The structure occupies an area of about 15,600 square feet and is 106'-0" high with right storeys. It contains 463.000 cubic feet of space compared to the pre- vious building's cluding the clock tower.
160,000 cubic feet, in-
The old members' stand: had accommo- dation for 2,600 people. In the new scheme, there is seating accommodation available for approximately 10,900 people
4.900 on the first floor. and 3,000 on each of the second and third floors. In addition to this number, there is space available for 2.000 persons in the old structure remaining intact.
Previously, all members' betting facili- ties were located in one restricted area on
the ground floor, causing bottle-necks ani general confusion,
presence of an excessive amount of boulders entailing excavation in some cases to a depth of 30'o", and subsequent blast ing. The continuous day and night work was greatly hampered by unprecedented rainfall at that time, causing among other The new building has been planned in things anxiety in respect of the safety of such a way that the betting and paving the adjoining Wong Nei Chong Road. out areas are now distributed generally Also, an underground nullah had to be over four Hoors. In other words, a mem diverted and many precautionary measures ber can choose the floor he prefers and taken to ensure no damage to existing remain there during the whole meeting to buildings, cables, pipes, totalisator control VICw the racing, make his bets, and col- and equipment rooms containing delicate lert his winnings, if any. At the saine machinery, etc.
time he will have at his disposal adequate
The ground, 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors. which are served by two banks of escala- tors, two lifts and staircases, provide ample facilities for betting and paying out. Wide projecting balconies give splen- dir views of the course and totalisator board. The cash sweeps are still conducted in the original position on the ground floor, and the police duty room is also at this level.
The 4th floor also provides attractive accommodation for viewing the races and a limited amount of betting facilities is available. Here also are situated a de- humidified paper store, automatic tele- phone exchange, accommodation for the Clerk of the Course. Starter, press box and members' changing room.
Or the fifth floor is the members' dining room, together with the service thereto. The area of the former is 6,900 sq. ft.. or just over twice the size of the old one.
The 6th floor is occupied by the mem-
sq. ft.), and kitchen with deep freeze bers' bar (1574 sq. ft.), ladies' room (1346)
storage space.
The kitchen is connected
to the servery below on the 5th floor by means of four electric dumb-waiters and a subsidiary staircase. There are also two small dining rooms on this floor and quar- ters for the Club House Manager.
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