12.35 A contract was started on the construction of roads and drainage in Area 27. Under the same contract, the remainder of Areas 9 and 12 and part of Area 27, site formation was in hand for a further 8.6 acres of industrial land in Areas 9 and 12.
Buildings
12.36 In public housing, work started on the first stage of the Tai Hing Estate in Area 6 for 29,300 units of accommodation. This is the second estate to be built in the New Town, the first being the existing Castle Peak Estate in Area 10.
12.37 In the private sector, a total of 15 buildings were completed, of which 3 were factory buildings. At the end of the year, 14 buildings are still under construction including 6 factory buildings.
12.38 A programme for the provision of community facilities to serve the New Town was finalised.
Planning
12.39 A revision of the Outline Development Plan was undertaken following further inter-departmental consultations since endorsement of the plan by the Land Development and Planning Committee. These consultations resulted in deciding on an exclusive right-of-way reserve for a possible rapid public transport system and a more economical layout for the typhoon shelter, and it was also decided that certain natural amenities be conserved.
12.40 To meet the need for sites for land-intensive industries, several such sites were planned between Siu Lam Shui and Lung Kwu Tan in the western part of the New Town.
12.41 The layout plan for Area 27 was formally adopted. Amendments were made to the layout for Area 10B and preparation of layouts for Areas 4 and 11 was well advanced.
Land
12.42 Action continued on the resumption of land and clearance in areas required for development.
12.43 During the year, five industrial lots totalling 218,000 sq. ft. were sold by public auction. One lot involving 25,000 sq. ft. was granted by private treaty for an electricity substation.
General
12.44 NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT BRANCH
Government Engineer:
B.H. NEWMAN, B.Sc.(Eng.), C.Eng., F.I.C.E., M.A.S.C.E.
The New Territories Development Branch is responsible for
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