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# HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
## ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN (in English):-Ladies and Gentlemen, the meeting is called to order.
## MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 13 December 1988, were confirmed.
## PAPER
The following paper was laid on the table:
(1) Report to the Urban Council by the Director of Urban Services and Secretary, Urban Council, for the month of December 1988.
## MOTION
1.
THE CHAIRMAN, URBAN COUNCIL moved the following motion:
"THAT this Council endorse the Statement of Aims for 1989-90."
He said (in English):—I rise to move the motion standing in my name. This is the one time during the year when Urban Councillors take the opportunity to air views on any subjects under the sun and it is no exaggeration to say that these Annual Conventional Debates have produced innovative, stimulating and constructive comments and suggestions. And I am sure that this year's debate will be no exception. The Council's Statement of Aims provides the basis for this Annual Debate, and also form the ground rules observed by each Select Committee. These have been reconsidered and amended and now reflect the progress made in our many activities.
In general terms, I think I can report that during the past year, the Council has further improved the lifestyle of our urban dwellers.
Because during the year, a steady stream of projects have come into operation, e.g. multi-storied complexes, parks, playgrounds. These vary in size and in their individual components. Some 2000 extra market stalls, plus close to 100 cooked food stalls. Indoor games halls, with a wide variety of sports activities, to provide another 30 badminton courts and several libraries. All part of the facilities in these imaginative complexes. Combining so many activities under one roof.
For example, the new Sheung Wan Complex, and I mention it because I laid the foundation stone 6 years ago, which is now partially opened, has a new 500-seat theatre, a home for our performing companies, as well as a market and a games hall.
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This is only the tip of the iceberg for construction is in hand on more major projects to be opened in the coming years.
The magnificent redeveloped Kowloon Park funded by the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club is to be formally opened by H.E. the Governor next month. An exciting project providing a wide range of passive and active recreational facilities adjacent to the major commercial area in Kowloon.
A sister park in the Central District of Hong Kong Island, utilizing the Victoria Barracks site, the Hong Kong Park scheduled for 1991, will provide another break in the concrete jungle. More details of all these superb recreational projects will, I am sure, be provided by my fellow Councillors during the course of this Debate.
From 'healthy' projects to the 'finer things' in life. Whilst no doubt other Members will describe in greater detail the two new Museums of Science and Technology and Art now under construction in Kowloon, it is evident from the various models and representations of the various exhibits already seen, that these museums will be up to world standard and will add immensely to the educational, cultural and scientific life of Hong Kong. I am sure the general public will flock to see and participate. One of our biggest problems may well be crowd control. Both to be opened during 1990.
Undoubtedly, the major and exciting event of the year will be the opening of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui in November this year. It should give Hong Kong pride in its cultural achievements. To mark this very special occasion, the Council has arranged an exciting series of arts events. The Concert Hall will also be a permanent home for the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra of which the Council has agreed to become the sole public funding body.
I have given the bare outlines of what is a very impressive array of projects undertaken by this Council, especially taking account of the many constraints we face in Hong Kong-shortage of space and the availability of viable sites.
The operation and management requirements of all these many and varied projects will require a new and imaginative approach. Staff training and upgrading of posts will present a new challenge to the Urban Services Department, whom we are confident will meet these challenges.
While the Council seems to be achieving its aim of providing newer and better facilities for a happier lifestyle, and even succeeding in creating a greener environment, unfortunately alongside this progress we note a marked deterioration in the quality of the air and water that surround us. Not to mention the growing noise problem.
While some of us might gain satisfaction in pointing the finger at Government and industry, our own population bears equal responsibility. Where is the...
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