XN000022-1973-03-30 — Page 2

1.

Friday, March 30, 1973

MORE BUILDINGS IN WESTERN TO BE PULLED DOWN

To Pave Way For Urban Renewal

The calling for tenders today for the demolition of a number of properties

in Hollywood Road and Upper Lascar Row (Cat Street) marks a minor but

significant milestone in the progress of urban renewal operations in Western

District.

The invitation of tenders was announced in the Gazette today.

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The demolition is necessary because the buildings Nos. 191-197

Hollywood Road and Nos. 36-38 Upper Lascar Row - have become dangerous. But

these are also buildings which have reverted to the Crown for purposes of

urban renewal in the District.

Scheme,

The properties lie within the bounds of the Urban Renewal Pilot

for which a comprehensive acquisition programme got under way in

January 1971. There are four phases in this scheme, and more than half the

demolitions scheduled under Phase I have now been carried out.

When the scheme is completed in about five years! time, featuring

prominently in the urban "face-lift" given to the area will be two new primary

schools for which large sites have been reserved. The area will be served by

wider reconstructed roads, and shopping promenades will be among the improved

facilities for pedestrians.

Provision has also been made for three recreational open spaces,

one of which will cover a multi-storey underground car park. A hawker bazaar

will be another feature, and four sites have been earmarked for potential

community use.

/A sum.