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Part of Garley Building to be closed
The Director of Buildings, Dr Choi Yu-leuk, announced today (Saturday) that in view of severe fire damage, the top three storeys of Garley Building at No. 233-239 Nathan Road would be closed for carrying out permanent repair works.
An emergency closure order will be applied from the Court on Monday (November 25) for closing the premises.
Dr Choi said that the investigation yesterday revealed severe structural damage to the roof as well as the 15th floor.
"Some of the roof beams have sagged considerably with cracks developing. It is necessary to erect temporary shoring to these beams and both the 15th and 14th floors will need to be closed because of the imminent dangers.
"A closure order will also be applied for part of the 13th floor because of a portion of the floor slab was severely damaged by the fire and is liable to become dangerous," Dr Choi said.
A statutory order under section 26A of the Buildings Ordinance will be issued to the owners requiring them to appoint a building professional to carry out a detailed investigation to the premises and submit a repair proposal.
A demolition order will also be issued requiring the owners to remove an illegal structure on the roof.
Further inspections will be carried out to the premises from basement to 3rd floor as they were not accessible yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Buildings Department (BD) will carry out emergency works to remove immediate dangers. These works include:
a catch platform will be erected at the first floor external wall facing Nathan Road as a precautionary measure against possible falling of loose mosaic tiles.
All the loose window frames and damaged air-conditioners will be removed.
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