CO129-538-3 Development of Government sites and rebuilding of Government buildings 17-12-1931 - 22-10-1932 — Page 26

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Encl.No.1.

3.

Meanwhile the building has for some years shown signs

of deterioration and although it is still in fair condition it is no longer suitable for the purpose for which it was intended and it is doubtful whether it will much longer remain safe for large

gatherings of people.

The Committee, however, is not in a position owing to lack of funds to contemplate rebuilding and is, it is understood, willing that the land should revert to Government on the understanding that Government will provide accommodation for the purposes for which a City Hall is required.

As a result

of the Bank's application an opportunity has now presented itself to carry out a larger scheme which promises to secure not only the provision of additional and improved office accommodation and a modern building in place of the present City Hall, Secretariat and Public Works Offices and of Government House, but also a consider-

able surplus revenue derived from the sale of land made available. The scheme when completed will afford improved means of access to

the lower middle levels which are at present approachable for

motor traffic only by way of Garden Road.

4. The outline of the scheme is set out in the attached

Memoranda which have been drawn up in the Public Works Department

These memoranda give

Enclo.No. 2. together with the accompanying plans.

only a general outline of the scheme which will naturally require

modifications in the light of future experience.

It is probable

for example that the period required for completion will have to be extended considerably beyond the seven years suggested as the minimum since the proposals envisage the finding by the public not

only of a sum exceeding seventeen million dollars for land purchase

but also of an even larger sum for building purposes. I have accordingly assured myself that embarkation upon the scheme will