XN000022-1996-09-12 — Page 22

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Areas designed for setting-down and picking-up of hotel users have already been exempted from the plot ratio computation.

Dr Choi said the new measure will indirectly increase the gross floor area for about five per cent.

"Hong Kong, as one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, attracts millions of overseas visitors each year. The demand for hotel rooms has been on the increase.

"In the first half of this year, the Buildings Department received seven new hotel building plan submissions, compared with a total of eight submissions in 1995.

"The Government is committed to promoting the territory's tourism industry. We hope that the new concession will encourage the building of more new hotels with a view to further boosting our tourism," he said.

To qualify for exemption from the new plot ratio computation, the back-of-the- house facilities should comply with the following criteria:

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in reasonable size, its location practical and designed only for the intended purpose;

accessible to hotel staff only; and

abuse of use is impossible or unlikely.

The areas acceptable as back-of-the-house facilities include workshops, storage areas, or facilities for the welfare of staff. While shops, restaurant, cinemas and any commercial areas to which the general public has access will not be approved.

A practice note containing details of the new measure has been issued to all authorised persons and registered structural engineers.

End