IV, cont.
clock tower and several modernistic buildings. # The sketches
were very basic.
40
On 24 May, 1975, at a meeting of the Urban Council's Cultural
Complex Sub-Committee, it was as yet unclear from the statements of
the Director, Urban Services and Principal Government Architect whether
or not the building would be demolished.
5.
In 1975 the Hong Kong Institute of Architects requested a
competition for the Cultural Complex design.
6.
On 22nd October, 1975, the Chairman, Urban Council stated that
the programme had gone too far ahead for any major change to be
instituted. On the same day, however, the further discussion showed
that the demolition of the K.C.R. building was far from settled
there was the suggestion that it be used for Government offices, and
there was great uncertainty over the time schedule, and a formal
allocation of the site to the Urban Council had not taken place.
7.
The sketches and layout were changed in 1976. On 24 June, 1976
a "proposed revised layout" was noted. The Chairman, Urban Council
said. and the Principal Goverment Architect agreed, that the proposed
bus terminus on the site of wie Marine Police &ation and Hill involved
a 'going back'
on the understanding earlier reached about the Marine Police Station site being preserved as open space. At the time the Principal Government Architect and some Urban Councillors were in
favour of keeping the clock tower as it was a historical feature
symbolizing Kowloon, and was a landmark.
8.
On 25 August, 1976, the revised schedule of construction was
presented. Mr. Prescott wrote to the Chairman, Urban Council to
preserve the K.C.R. building. Mrs. Elliott supported the preservation
of the K.C.R. building and a new plan to alter the layout.
9.
The Principal Government Architect said this would have radical
effects and would involve a complete re-design of the current plans
which were far advanced.
10.
However, on 5 February, 1977, there was still discussion whether
or not to include a science museum in the plans. At the time the
Cultural Complex plans were in Category B, and it was ascertained that
/p.7 they were