PROGRESS
The architect was appointed in September 1954, and proposals put forward by the Authority for development of the site were approved by Government in March 1955. Seven months later the detailed plans had been approved by the P.W.D., and the site had been cleared by the Resettlement Department (it was previously occupied by a Govern- ment sand dump, timber-yards, etc.).
Two piling contracts were awarded in October 1955: the first, to the Vibro Piling Company was for $1,291,905 for driving 1,511 piles on the West and Centre Courts, and the second, to the Hong Kong Engineering & Construction Company, was for $1,132,800 for driving 1,180 piles on the East Court. During the progress of the work, which started immediately the contracts were let, it was found that the poor condition of the soil necessitated an actual load per pile of less than the 60 tons planned. It therefore became necessary for 441 extra piles to be driven on the West and Centre Courts, at a cost of $355,055, and 263 extra piles on the East Court, at a cost of $252,480, making the total cost of piling $3,032,190. This part of the work was completed in May 1956.
In March 1956, the pile cap contract was awarded to Messrs. Lam Woo & Co., in the sum of $781,129.91, and the work was completed in June 1956. Tests of the piles, with loads of 100 tons, carried out in April 1956, resulted in settlements of 1/16", but after unloading settlement recovered, and final settlement was nil.
The conditions of grant of the site were executed in June 1956: the premium was $4,002,750 (@ $13.50/sq. ft.) and Annual Crown Rent will be $27,226.
Messrs. Langdon & Every were appointed as Quantity Surveyors in October 1955, and tenders for the main building contract were invited in April 1956. That of Messrs. Cheong Lee Construction Company, in the sum of $24,948,574.31, was accepted by the Authority in June 1956, and excavation started immediately the pile caps were finished, although the contract was not signed and the site officially taken over until 21st August, 1956. Time for completion (315 days) stipulated in the contract was calculated from that date.
By the end of September 1956, formwork and fixing of steel re- inforcement had reached first floor level throughout the estate, and back-filling between tie-beams and footings was carried out. Between 800 and 1,000 workmen were employed on the site daily at first,
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