No_6_1955 — Page 25

CHAMPAGNE COURT, KOWLOON

Architect: E. Cumine, F.R.I.B.A.

Perspective drawing of the new development looking towards the corner of Kimberley & Carnarvon Roads

Piling for a new building was recently all kinds of accommodation; the reluctance started behind the Princess Theatre op- on the part of local inhabitants to move posite the Miramar Hotel. The site is very far from the City districts on both located on Section B of K.I.L. 6022 at the sides of the harbour; and the desire of corner of Kimberley and Carnarvon Roads landlords, whose properties are controlled

in the Tsim Tsa Tsui district of Kowloon. and often obsolete, to increase their re-

venues and develop to the maximum such land as they may own.

Without investigating the sociological reasons for this, one thing stands out quite clearly and that is the shortage of suitable building land. Because of this in Hong Kong, the problems to be borne are the noise, the narrow thoroughfares, traffic jams and the difficulty of parking. In

Kowloon to the east of Nathan Road,

Today, we are faced with radical changes in the living habits of the local populace- apartments are being chosen in most cases

Sound arguments can be advanced for where development of a residential nature in preference to houses, a greater propor- living on either side of the harbour. Often is the only kind permitted, these problems tion of the population is selecting to live though these depend upon the location of are not nearly so great, although that of

the mainland than ever before, and a person's place of business, the places parking is becoming increasingly tenants are spending a higher percentage where he finds his recreation and sport, cr acute. of their incomes on accommodation.

simply upon his personal preference. Dis-

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SO

ROAD

GRANVILLE

ROAD

more

are It is to be regretted that so many build- All over the world, metropolitan growth regarding all these, however, there is progressing rapidly. This is particulariy more pleasant residential districts closer ings of a speculative nature are being apparent in building development, when and more convenient to the centre of erected in every district, both on the Island many antiquated, comparatively low Kowloon itself than there are places on and the mainland. Apartment blocks with rooms and poor office buildings having small ground areas the Island similarly related to Hong Kong. inferior materials, small are being demolished. In their place are

design are unfortunately too common. Not being erected tall and extensive modern

only are such apartments usually available

structures. This has been obvious for some

for key money or high rent (or both), but before long defects start appearing in their time in great cities like London and New

finishes. Such shortcomings, though not York, where so large a proportion of busi-

serious structurally, are a continual source ness is conducted within but a very small

of annoyance because of their unsightliness area. In Hong Kong too, since the war, similar circumstances have forced the same type of development, particularly in the Central District of the City of Victoria.

This trend, however, has not stopped with commercial buildings. Every year, more and more large blocks of apartments are being erected. Many factors are, of course, responsible for this among which can be cited: the still general shortage of

AP OF K.J. L. Ma

KIMBERLEY

150

PRINCESS

THEATRE

SECTION Α

OF KIL N. 4022 (SECTION "8")

Site plan

AOAD

NATHAN

AO

However, there are reputable builders and landlords engaged in residential deve- lopment work, who are using high quality materials throughout, and who are employ- ing first class architects to ensure a high standard of design. Because these are not looking for a rapid or excessive return on their investment. moreover, such accom- modation as they erect is often no dearer

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