For discussion
on 7th January 1975
ANNEX A TO XCR(77)74
MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Summary Offences Ordinance Chapter 228)
XCR (75)13 Copy No.
APPLICATION FROM THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
FOR EXEMPTION OF KOWLOON MARINE LOT 88 AND ADJOINING AREA FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 13
OF THE ORDINANCE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION (SUB-STRUCTURE WORK) OF THE NEW WORLD CENTRE
:
A
B
On 10th December 1974, having considered memorandum XCR (74)209 (copy at Annex A), Honourable Members advised and the Governor ordered:
...
"that the land exchange transaction to enable New World Development Company Limited to develop the area known as Holt's Wharf should proceed on the terms described in paragraphs 4 to 14 of the memorandum, subject to the approval of the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council to the works to be executed on behalf of Government being paid for by deduction from premium, and subject to authorisation under the Foreshores and Seabeds Ordinance."
This decision is now being followed up urgently with a view to the necessary approval of the Finance Committee being sought during January 1975. In the meantime, the New World Development Company Limited, has, entirely at its own risk and in order to advance the development scheme as quickly as possible, started sub-structure work on that part of the site coloured yellow on Plan Reference B00 2/4400/72 at Annex B. work is expected to be completed within two years.
2
This
The sub-structure work involves excavation over a large part of the site to a depth in excess of 50 feet and the construction of foundations. Round-the-clock working is essential because of the proximity of the site to the sea and the need for dewatering to be carried out continuously. Furthermore, the method to be adopted in the construction of the four-storey sub-structure and the need to complete it, once started, as quickly as possible to avoid uplift due to hydraulic pressure during bad weather, which could affect the safety of the structure, will require the concrete to be poured without any break.
3
Round-the-clock working will produce round-the-clock construction noise during the construction period. Between 16th October 1974 and 15th November 1974, the Commissioner of Police received a total of eight complaints (including two from the Sheraton Hotel and three from the Mariners' Club) about noise emanating from the site at night. These complaints seem, however, to have arisen as the result of the use of a drop-hammer type machine for rock breaking. Since the use of this machine was abandoned in the middle of November, there have been no more complaints. The nearest residential buildings are about 300 feet away.