MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
FUTURE USE OF THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING
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On 6th July 1978, Finance Committee voted funds
to carry out remedial works on the old Supreme Court building, which had suffered damage as a result of MTR works. A copy of the appropriate FCAI minute is attached. In the course of discussion, Members asked that Exécutive Council be consulted on the future of the building.
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There appears to be considerable public interest in the future of the Supreme Court Building, in particular, among conservationists and among those who see it as a prime site for future development. The object in bringing this matter to Council is to enable Government to decide on the future of the building and to make an appropriate announcement, so as to avoid further specu- lation,
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Introduction
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In May 1977, following the start of excavation in Chater Road for the construction of the MTR, cracks caused by settlement were found in the south corridor of the Supreme Court. Further settlement continued until December 1977, when MTR work was halted. Damage to the fabric of the building became worse, however, because it has taken up to six months for the full effect of settlement to be manifest in this case. In July 1978, excavation work on the railway was due to commence again. It was decided that, in view of the likelihood of further settlement and of the possibility of collapse of the building, it should be evacuated. This was done and substantial shoring was placed inside it. Arrangements have been made for the Judiciary to be housed in alternative accommodation, though this cannot be said to be of a satisfactory standard.
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The Director of Building Development has advised that the MTR will begin to run by March 1980, after which a further six months must be allowed to enable an assessment to be made as to whether any further damage to the building is likely. His present assessment is that remedial work might take up to nine months, based on known damage to the building.