XN000022-1973-06-19 — Page 2

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Tuesday, June 19, 1973

COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON HOLIDAY RESORTS

The government has commissioned a firm of consultants to carry out a

comprehensive study on the development of four areas in the New

Territories into holiday resorts for both local visitors and overseas

tourists.

The study, to cost $750,000, is being undertaken by Wilbur Smith

and Associates of the United States.

The major purpose is to find out the best use of land resources

available in a 10-year programme at the scenic parts of South Lantau, Sai

Kung Peninsula, Ma Wan Island, and Middle Island at Deep Water Bay.

The investigation will not only include the scope and nature of public

amenities for the urban visitors but of accommodation and recreational facilities

for overseas tourists.

The latter, to be developed by private enterprise, envisages holiday

bungalows, hotels, and golf courses in addition to amenities such as picnic

spots and bathing beaches, a government spokesman said.

The study will also provide the design for a balanced development

programme to best meet the requirements, including future land-use patterns.

The government has approved in principle that the programme will be

implemented in two stages with a capital commitment expenditure of about #50

million for the first five-year stage.

The consultants have been asked to make recorrendations for a programme

for the optimum development of the areas in the next 10 years; and an alternative

programme which would limit the government capital expenditure to $50 million

within the first five years.

The study project has just commenced and is expected to take about 12

months to complete.

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