blocks, for an estimated population of about 32,890 people, i.e. about the same as Salisbury, Wilts. The estate will cost about $52,900,000 (divided about equally between structure and general building costs), and will also contain two 24-classroom primary schools, to accom- modate 4,320 pupils in two sessions, a community hall, thirty eight shops, a kerosene service store, and an estate office.
Site
84. The site, which was fairly easy to develop, with a gentle slope extending to the northern boundary, covers about 784,000 sq. ft., or 181 acres. The total gross area, including half width of main roads, is 20.8 acres. Site formation, which commenced in early 1957, and took nearly two years to complete, terraced the North-South slopes to provide differing levels on which to locate the multi-storey blocks, the building areas being formed along the contours of the original site. Sub-soil conditions have been difficult; a variety of types of ground, including rock, boulders, hard and soft clay, and running sand, were all encoun- tered, and added to the problems. The site formation entailed the removal of about 2 million cu. yds. of earth and 30,000 cu. yds. of rock, and the construction of retaining walls, drainage channels, road bottom- ing, and banking, three-quarters of the cost being met by a grant of $1,422,000 from the Colonial Development and Welfare Fund.
Planning
85. The aim has been to provide ultra-high density housing, without monotony and serious overcrowding, and yet with a high degree of repetitive design in order to achieve maximum economies. Working to a master plan prepared by Mr. Eric CUMINE, F.R.I.B.A., who designed the Authority's first scheme at North Point, four private architectural firms were engaged to design the buildings, and supervise their construc- tion. The blocks of flats will mostly face south over the harbour, and there is ample provision for recreation space. This includes 50,000 sq. ft. of covered area, 40,000 sq. ft. of external paved play area, and 138,000 sq. ft. of gardens and planting, landscaped to add to the amenities of the area. Recreational amenities include a football pitch, basketball-court, and roller-skating rink.
Density
86. This planning gives a gross density of about 1,550 persons to the acre, almost exactly the same as on the North Point Estate. In spite of this high density a remarkably open aspect has been preserved. Comparative densities are: Sai Wan Estate-1,166 persons per acre;
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