G.S. 166
機密
CONFIDENTIAL #2
3
Island Line Construction Programme
7.
Vacant possession of this site is required in early November to enable demolition works to commence by that date. Failure to comply with this programme will cause delays in the construction of the Sheung Wan East Concourse scheduled to commence in May 1982 and ultimately a delay in the opening of the Island Line.
8.
In July the owners of the private land within the Triangular site were requested to provide bankers' bonds as an assurance that their properties would be vacated and available for demolition by November 1st 1981. Bonds were subsequently received from all the owners with the exception of the one mentioned above. Moreover, notwithstanding repeated requests, this owner has failed to provide any assurance that his property will be vacated by the required date. Although it is known that his principal tenant has agreed to vacate the premises by mid-October the owner has only recently applied to the Tenancy Tribunal for exclusion orders to be issued in respect of his ground floor tenants. The hearing of the application has been fixed for 27th October. Assuming no unforeseen circumstances this would enable the owner to obtain vacant possession of his property by late December at the earliest. He is therefore not in a position to surrender vacant possession of 170-174 Des Voeux Road Central by November 1st. If the Island Line construction programme is to proceed on schedule Government therefore has no option but to resume this property.
Recommendation
9.
It is recommended that the Governor should exercise the powers vested in him under section 4(1) of the Mass Transit Railway (Land Resumption and Related Provisions) Ordinance (Chapter 276) and order the resumption of IL 1491 S.A R.P. IL 1491 s.B R.P. and IL 1491 s.C. One month's notice of the resumption is proposed.
Public Reaction
10.
Public reaction to this proposed resumption is expected to be minimal since five of the six owners have now entered into an agreement with the MTRC for redevelopment of the site. The owners of 170-174 Des Voeux Road Central may react unfavourably but under the circumstances is unlikely to arouse much public sympathy for his cause.
Publicity
11.
A statement will be issued pointing out that five of the six owners had now reached an agreement with the MTRC
CONFIDENTIAL
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