XN000022-1996-04-29 — Page 8

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Governor visits Wan Chai District

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The Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, visited Wan Chai District this (Monday) afternoon to keep himself abreast of the latest developments in the district.

The Governor was accompanied on the visit by Mr Lee Lap-sun, the Acting Director of Home Affairs and the Wan Chai District Officer, Mrs Karen Pong.

The Governor and his party first visited the Lions Morninghill School at Blue Pool Road, a subsidised special school for about 200 mildly mentally handicapped students aged 6 to 16.

The party watched students attend language classes, receive arts and practical skills training and participate in sports and physical exercises in the playground. They also admired an exhibition of the students' works and enjoyed an instrumental performance by the students.

They then proceeded to the revolving restaurant on the 62nd floor of Hopewell Centre for a bird's eye view of the district.

Representatives

from Planning Department, Territory Development Department, Land Development Corporation (LDC) and Urban Services Department briefed them on the redevelopment in Wan Chai Central, the new projects in Wan Chai North and the Wan Chai Road and Tai Yuen Street Redevelopment Scheme.

The proposed $4 billion redevelopment scheme at Wan Chai Road and Tai Yuen Street, drawn up by LDC, aims to provide high-rise commercial and residential developments and a purpose-built market to replace the existing Wan Chai Road Market and Temporary Market in the area.

The party then walked along Wan Chai Road, Cross Street, Tai Yuen Street and arrived at the "Sheung Hei" Tea House, one of the oldest tea parlours with 47 years of history, for afternoon tea. They were joined by the Labour Party's Shadow Foreign Secretary, Mr Robin Cook, at the tea house.

The visit was concluded with a community reception at the Chinese YMCA Multi-Purpose Centre at Harbour View International House where the Governor met with local district board members and community leaders. Chinese YMCA's Harmonica Group also gave a lively performance for the guests.

End