XCC(75)8
Improvement in Space Utilisation
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The Committee started its review by calculating on the basis of detailed plans for Phase I the probable student capacity at the completion of Phase I, including all existing buildings at Hung Hom but excluding the rented premises at Taikoo (Quarry Bay). The Committee's calculations of student capacity assume an improved utilisation of the premises and, therefore, closer control of teaching time-tables, but not as great an improvement as the ultimate space utilisation target set by the UPGC for the Polytechnic as well as for the universities. There are administrative difficulties in attaining the relatively high utilisation rates proposed by the UPGC and the Chairman, UPGC states that the Polytechnic is being advised that a considerable strengthening of the staff of the Academic Secretary will be necessary.
Student Numbers
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The conclusions regarding student number targets now reported by the Chairman, UPGC are that with only a relatively modest improvement in space utilisation, but by retaining the temporary classrooms at Hung Hom (and relinquishing Taikoo), Phase I will enable the Polytechnic to take about 6,000 full time equivalent students in September 1976; and that by further improving space utilisation, but relinquishing the temporary classrooms at Hung Hom, this could rise to 8,000 some time after 1978.
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These conclusions are subject to several reservations of which the most important are that at the proposed densities additional student and staff facilities will be essential; and that as the student number targets are more closely approached the pressures for re- search related to local commercial and industrial needs will increase so that additional workshop, laboratory and general space will be required.
Rephasing of the Development Plan
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The UPGC has, therefore, not only applied itself to effecting whatever savings might be possible on the existing Phase I, but has also made a complete revision in outline of the development programme after Phase I. The further phases now suggested hear no relation to the phases originally recommended by the UPGC and considered in memorandum XCC(74)36 (Annex A). The Chairman states that these revised UPGC recommendations have been developed in close consultation with Polytechnic officers and acknowledges that they owe much to the realism and sense of practicabilities shown by the Polytechnic Board of Governors.
COMFIDENTIAL
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