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HONG KONG PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
Moving towards the 21st century, Hong Kong, as a cosmopolis, is fostering developments in the financial, commercial and tourist sectors. Our land resources, therefore, should be put to optimum use, and maximum commercial returns should not be the sole consideration. The Central Market site is indeed an ideal location for a convenient, comfortable Urban Place in Central for local residents, office workers and tourists to spend their leisure hours.
Following the successful examples of foreign cosmopolitan cities, we can provide, in our most central commercial district, an Urban Place with a festive 'fairground' for cultural and entertainment activities, a food court, a large modern market, sitting-out areas as well as venues for outdoor performances and exhibitions.
In order to satisfy the Government's need for increase in revenue, 30% of the site can be designated for the development of a multi-storey commercial building, and the rest for the provision of low-rise facilities for cultural and entertainment activities and a 'fairground'.
Redevelopment proposal
: A high block for commercial use and a low block for accommodating cultural, entertainment, recreation and transport facilities.
Ground level of the low block: Sitting-out areas, an amphitheatre, a mini-bus terminus, a taxi stand, refreshments kiosks, book shops, etc.
Basement, podium and 2nd floor of the low block: A large modern market, a heated swimming pool, a gymnasium, an international food court, an exhibition venue, a garden, etc.
High block (a commercial building): A separate high-rise commercial building for commercial developments and offices.
Mr. Chairman, the proposal I put forward is in response to the recent reiteration of the Government that Hong Kong should better utilize its land resources. I therefore propose that the Central Market be redeveloped into a building for both cultural and commercial purposes and hope that the Council will strive earnestly for it. Mr. Chairman, with these remarks, I support the motion.
MR. WONG KWOK-HING (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman,
Early Establishment of a Comprehensive Surveillance Testing System for Imported Frozen Poultry and Meat
The outbreak of bird flu at the end of last year exposed the very undesirable situation in connection with the lack of a quarantine system for imported live poultry in Hong Kong. As such, up to the moment this speech is delivered, analyses of the sources of H5N1 virus have failed to confirm whether this