No_2_1956 — Page 11

LIDO SCHEME

SCHEME FOR SHATIN

Impression of the project from the architect's drawing.

In spite of the size of the Colony from the point of view of population and the very cosmopolitan character of its inhabi- tants, Hong Kong has never had a "lido" in the sense of an all-inclusive public re- creation and entertainment centre.

A pro- ject, which is

now in a very advanced stage of planning, will rectify this omis- sion and provide the Colony with its first luxurious entertainment centre-cum-holiday camp, designed for year round activities for young and old, which will be the finest and most impressive one in the Far East.

time.

has just returned from a tour of Europe and the pivot of interest of the whole and the United States, during which he scheme, is the central pavilion 166 ft. in studied unusual features of amusement diameter and 140 ft. high to the top of parks, lidos and other places of enter the spire. The architectural theme of this tainment with the view of incorporating building will be based upon the Chinese the more practical ideas into this scheme.

motif. The sweep of the roof culminating He has brought back many new ideas

in the upturned eaves, the setback tier which will be introduced here for the first

arrangement of the several floors each with its protective projecting tile roof repeating the upturned ends, and the formal main doorway with traditional Chinese figures in glazed tile surmounting the gabled roof over the entranceway, all carry out the spirit of this traditional floors and a lower ground floor containing style. It is circular in shape with three

all the combined amenities of high class restaurants, cabarets and country inns.

The site of this lido will be at Shatin where, we understand, approximately ten acres have been acquired for the purpose. In general, the planning is most ambitious, The sponsors of this scheme are Messrs. to the comfort, well-being and entertain- with everything included which can add Win Loon Enterprises Company, whose ment of the very varied clientele which it leading directors have the combined ex- is hoped to attract. It will be on a grand perience and knowledge necessary to en- scale throughout and operated with a staff sure its success. These are Mr. Kai Ho of about 400 people under expert super- Hsiang, one of the leading caterers in vision. Hong Kong, Mr. Fung Hee, an expert in art and culture, Mr. Tao Sun Lum, one

The whole of the main restaurant block of the Colony's leading hoteliers, and Mr.

will be air-conditioned, and in the kitchens, Lee Sheng Pui, director of an educational bakery, laundries and other concomitant institute.. They have been planning this services there will be installed the most scheme for quite some time and in co-

modern of equipment. Catering will be operation with the architect, Mr. Donald Provided to suit every taste with separate T. Walters, have created a project which restaurants for all types of foods, Chinese, should prove a tremendous attraction, not Japanese and various European cuisines. only to the residents of the Colony, but The project's own farm will produce veget- ables, poultry, etc. for the different re- to visitors and tourists as well. In it will

staurants. be combined the most advanced ideas which have proved themselves in show The centre of attraction both from the places all over the world. Mr. Walters structural and recreational point of view,

The lower ground floor will contain all the services including the huge main kit- chen and preparation room, kitchen store. air-conditioning plant and general store However, approximately one-third area. of this space will be reserved for a night club with its own dance band and dressing for performers. There will be a rooms separate entrance from the grounds, with its own terrace, of which more anon.

The upper ground floor, which will be 166 ft. in diameter, will contain what wil undoubtedly prove to be one of the main attractions of the project, a dance floor in

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