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# HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
## MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 6th June, 1961, were confirmed.
## PAPER
THE CHAIRMAN laid upon the table the following paper:
Report on the work of the Urban Council and Urban Services Department for the month of June 1961.
## QUESTIONS
MR. A. DE O. SALES asked the following question:-
"Will the Chairman assure this Council that on all reclamations adjoining heavily populated districts there will be playgrounds for children and sitting-out areas for adults?"
THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:-
"I regret that I cannot give the assurance asked for. While Government endeavours to provide land for playgrounds and open spaces in all areas, in some of the reclaimed areas demands on the land will be such that little or no space will be available for recreational purposes. Perhaps I may cite the Western District as an example where the new marine frontage will be utilized entirely for essential marine, wharf, and ferry facilities."
MR. SALES:-Mr. Chairman, may I ask for a clarification of your last sentence? Does this mean in effect that there will be no children's playgrounds between the Central District and Kennedy Town along the harbour front or near enough to it?
CHAIRMAN:-I think that is the case.
MR. SALES:-May I have this matter referred to the Select Committee?
CHAIRMAN:-Yes, Sir.
MR. SALES:-Thank you.
MR. A. DE O. SALES asked the following question:
"Is the Chairman able to tell this Council when plans for the Hung Hom and Cheung Sha Wan reclamations will be available? Will the Chairman also assure us that this Council will be consulted?”
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THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:-
"The planning of the foreshore and seabed areas at Hung Hom and Cheung Sha Wan is under consideration by Government. The planning is, however, in its early stages and it is not possible to say when final plans will be available. I can assure the Council that, in the preparation of these and any other development plans, the Council will be consulted where this is considered appropriate.”
MR. SALES:-Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
MR. A. DE O. SALES asked the following question:
"To what extent have this Council's views on the layout of the former Naval Dockyard area and the reclamation by Central District been accepted by Government?”
THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:-
"The planning of the central areas of Victoria was discussed by the Urban Amenities Select Committee on 15th July, 1960, and by the Standing Committee of this Council on 2nd August, 1960. Both meetings were attended by the Secretary of the Town Planning Board, Mr. R. C. CLARKE, and the Council's opinions on this matter were given full consideration during subsequent detailed planning.
It is still too early to say to what extent this Council's views have been accepted. The outline development plan will be exhibited for public inspection in the near future and, after consideration of any written objections to the plan which may be received, it will be referred to the Governor-in-Council for approval."
MR. SALES:-Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
MR. A. DE O. SALES asked the following question:-
"Since the matter appears to be of much interest to the public, will the Chairman please state the recreational facilities that the Kowloon Tsai Park will provide and the approximate date when the Park will be open?"
THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:
"In reply to the first part of the question, it is understood that the provision of funds for the facilities to be provided in this Park is still under consideration by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council. A decision is expected shortly.
With regard to the second part of the question, the Park is likely to be ready for public use about 18 months from now.
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