No_4_1955 — Page 67

NEW SERVICE STATION

IN

WANCHAI

Architect:

Eric Cumine, F.R.L.B.A.

In a recent issue of the 'BUILDER', a new multi-storeyed garage at East Point was described: this building had access to its upper floors by means of ramps. It was stated that this might possibly be a guide to the solution of the parking problem in the Colony.

of the new building. ducts.

ORD

MOTOR 5

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ERIC CUMINE FA 1**

Another multi-storeyed garage will soon be under construction in Wan- chai and, in this case, the upper floors will be reached by an automo- bile elevator. When completed, it should be interesting to make a com- parison on the basis of costs, avail- Architect's perspective drawing of the new service station with (below) for com able parking area and convenience; parison, a photograph of the old building at the commencement of demolition. this information should prove useful to the Authorities if they should ever because of its closeness and

con- to retain their fuelling and lubricat- contemplate the erection of multi- venience to the City centre.

ing facilities on the ground floor: storeyed garages to solve the parking The property itself belongs to and the need for adequate space for problem.

The Shell Co. (of Hong Kong), Ltd. carrying out repairs to cars by Har- The site

distributors of 'Shell' petroleum pro- pers. which will be one of the most up to

An agreement has been in force for

To solve all these problems. the date in the Colony,

whereby many is near

years the junction of Hennessy and Johnston tors for Ford' cars. have occupied a multi-storeyed garage.

Wallace Harper & Co., Ltd., distribu- only possible solution was to design Fortunate- Roads. The old single-storeyed

a service ly. Harpers required only a small building, now demolished, was erected part of the premises as

station. Facilities included one reception office on the ground floor. by Shell as a service station and lubricating hoist, covered fuelling There was no room on the restricted time, it has been totally inadequate space for one car, and covered servic- site to allow of ramps between the for its purpose since the sales of ing space for a maximum of three different floors, and to make the most of the limited space it was decided to cars have reached such high figures.

install a car lift. with the consequent increase in Problems of design included: the demand for servicing and repairs. size of the site only 62' 0" wide by The site, however, was considered to an average depth of 85' 0": the be a valuable one for a service station stipulation by Shell that they wished

showroom in about 1930. For some

TT

cars.

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The ground floor will be divided into two sections. To the east is the petrol station. and cars will be able to drive straight through from one main road to the other without reversing. Four pumps will be avail- able for the sale of "Shell" petrol, in addition to a pump (not shown on the plan for the supply of Shell 'Dieseline' to the increasing number of diesel taxis, etc.

The larger section of the ground floor to the west will be occupied by the lubritorium. with two hoists: these will be of the latest twin-post type and allow easier access to un- dersides of vehicles. They are read'lv adaptable to any size of car, and will be served by overhead hose- reels for the maximum of con- venience and minimum floor obstruc- tion. These facilities will be operated by Harpers for Shell. Access to this area may be had from either of the road frontages. and these openings will be fitted with roll up steel doors. The car elevator will be located in the north-west corner of this section and this will adjoin a staircase and a small office for the use of Harpers.

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