February_1971 — Page 7

news review

Progress on urban renewal pilot scheme

Considerable progress has been made in putting into effect the pilot scheme of urban renewal in the Western District, the director of public works, Mr. J. J. Robson, told the Hong Kong Legislative Council last month.

He said negotiations began early in 1970 with the owners of various lots, most of which were vacant, and to date a total of 16 lots had been acquired and agreement had been reached in respect of a further 16 lots.

There were however six vacant lots still in pri- vate hands and the resumption of these lots was therefore notified in the Government Gazette in January. Further resumption of tenanted proper- ties was planned to take place at six weekly inter- vals until all lots in stage 1 had been acquired.

Mr. Robson said the pilot scheme covered an area of 13 acres between Queen's Road and Holly- wood Road and involved some 360 leased lots and the rehousing of some 13,000 people.

'The plan provides for a new road linking Holly- wood Road with Queen's Road West. Thirteen sites totalling over three acres will be for high-rise com-

mercial/residential buildings, one and one third acres for open space and one acre for two primary schools. Space will also be allowed for a hawker bazaar and car parking.'

Demolition of stage 1 buildings would begin late this year and it was hoped to complete the redevelopment of all four stages by 1977.

HK$41 million hotel contract for Paul Y

Paul Y Construction Co. Ltd. has been awarded the HK$40.89 million contract to build Hong Kong's largest hotel, the Excelsior at Causeway Bay. The contract was signed last month between the contractors and East Point Hotels Ltd.

The 34-storey hotel, with 1003 rooms, is being erected on the site of the former Jardine Matheson godowns. It involves a total investment of some HK$120 million and is being built by a consortium of local and overseas companies which includes Jardines, Hongkong Land Investment & Agency Co. Ltd., Trust Houses Forte International Ltd., BOAC Associated Companies and City Hotels Ltd.

Twenty-nine of the hotel floors will be used for bedrooms. The ground floor will be given over to reception and associated facilities, while restau- rants, shops, administration and other service areas will occupy three floors. Nightclubs are planned for both the top floor and the basement.

The architects are Eric Cumine & Associates, and the quantity surveyors, Langdon Every and Seah.

Manpower in Building - Report out

A report on the manpower situation of the building and civil engineering industry in Hong Kong has been published.

Pictured at the signing of the Excelsior Hotel contract are: standing – P.D. Dawson of Langdon & Every and Seah; B.C. Penman of Eric Cumine & Associates; J.H. Wilson, manager Orient-BOAC; R.C. Kwok of Jardine, Matheson & Co., S.H. Zoghbi, general manager of the hotel; and W.F. Powell of Hongkong Land; seat - V.O. Roberts, general manager of Hongkong Land; Paul Y Tso; and George Tso, joint managing director of Paul Y.

Far East BUILDER, February 1971

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