LAND, PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES
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Construction works have started on a swimming pool, library, indoor recreation centre and District Open Space in Tseung Kwan O; the Regional Council Complex, Tsing Yi Town Centre; Peng Chau Market; District Open Spaces in Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun, Tseung Kwan O; and improvement works to public toilets - Phase II.
Landscape
The Arch SD, being the lead department in the management of landscape architects for the government (excluding housing projects), has enhanced its comprehensive services by fully integrating the professional skills of landscape architects into its multi-disciplinary operations in all services areas. A varied, thematic approach to landscape design has been developed, in response to the increasing aspirations of the community, by ensuring the availability of a wide variety of recreational experiences. Projects have ranged from many different styles of traditional Chinese gardens, ecological parks through to modern hi-tech imagery.
Particular accomplishments in 1997 include the completion of Hong Kong's largest urban park at Tai Po Waterfront Park, together with the very successful City Beautification Scheme linked to the Handover Celebrations. Throughout, the department has further enhanced its leading role in the greening of Hong Kong and the continuing improvement of the urban environment, as exemplified by receiving one Silver and two Merit Awards in the Green Urban Project Award Scheme, co- sponsored by the Urban Council and the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects.
The landscape group also provides advisory services to the Lands Department on the inclusion of landscape clauses in lease conditions in private land sale. It also assists in assessing development proposals on the compliance with the conditions. The group also provides advice on strategic planning on landscape issues to the Planning Department and the Highways Department.
Design and Build Contracts
Design and Build Contracts are used in a number of projects. The Disciplinary Services Married Quarters at Chai Wan and at Ngau Chi Wan and the Government Flying Services Headquarters at Chek Lap Kok were completed in 1997. Construction of a joint-user office building at North Point continued in 1997 and it is expected to be completed by early 1998. Construction of a joint-user building at Cheung Sha Wan and a slaughterhouse at Sheung Shui began in 1997. A maintenance Depot at Siu Ho Wan, Lantau Island, a joint-user building at Kennedy Town and departmental quarters at Fanling are due to start in 1998 and to be completed by 2000.
Maintenance
The department's Property Services Branch continues to maintain and undertake minor works for about 7 000 public sector buildings and facilities. It also undertakes conservation and restoration works to listed buildings and gazetted monuments. The branch's specialist antiquities group is undertaking the conversion of the Lei Yue Mun Redoubt to a Museum of Coastal Defence, and the preservation of the facade of the High Street mental institution to be incorporated with the new District Community Centre of Sai Ying Pun.