CO129-618-6 Proposed reclamation of additional building sites 3-3-1948 - 8-9-1948 — Page 23

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INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES

COPY FOR REGISTRAN

FROM HONG KONG(Sir A.Grantham)

D. 3rd March, 1948. R.. 3rd

**

07.00 hrs.

X

C7

5

!!!

1948

23

END./

TRV

₤1,125,00 £1,125,

4875

1675,959

76,250

No.242

(1)

In the Betimates for 3948/49 16 is necessary to make provision for commencement of work on two large-scale reclamation schemes, at Hung Hom Bay and Connaught Road Central. (1) Since the re-occupation much rubble from destroyed 'buildings has

been dumped at the former place and is in danger of being washed into the harbour and lost if not protected by retaining wall. When completed an area of over 93 acres of reclamation 1,250,000 will be available for building site valued at about $20,000,000. Hilly site which will be levelled to provide filling will make available a further large area immediately suitable .. for full scale industrial and housing development. the work is estimated at about $18,000,000.

2.

(2)

The cost of

The second scheme comprisea & reclamation from which will be built 9 piers with transit sheds for the use of river and coastal cargo and passenger vessels. Piers will replace dameged and obsolete piers, the leases of which are now falling 10e These leases should not be renewed, and the opportunity taken to reclaim the area now occupied by the piers. Work will be in two sections. First section provides 5 piers estimated to be completed in 1952 at a cost of $34,000,000. Second section at a cost of 14,000,000 will follow with demand for additional piers. No building site other than for transit sheds will be provided, but dock rond 100 feet wide and 3,300 feet long on the reclamation will relieve intense traffic congestion on the water-front of the island.

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Since both schemes due for completion in 1951/52 heavy appropriation will be necessary from 1949/′50 onwards. This will throw a heavy strain on the finances of the Colony and I shall be grateful if I can be informed whether there is any prospect of a loan free of intereat, op at a very low rate of interest being granted from G.D. and W. Fund repayable from the proceeds of sale of land.in the case of Hung Hom and by sinking fund in the case of Connaught Road reglamation, to which could be credited rent from bertha and transit shede.

4.

In the meantime $100,000 le being provided in 1948/49 Estimates in respect of each achame to enable preliminary work to be commenood.

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