No_7_November_and_December__1950 — Page 27

The lender for the development of the first stage of the site formation work on which 114 lots will be formed had been awarded to the United China Builders & Associates. In addition, a sum had to be provided for the demolition of the old crematorium and erection of a new crematorium at the Diamond Hill which had to be handed over to Government free of charge.

It is hoped that in the near future, Government might consider covering up the existing nullah in the middle of Boundary Streel opposite the scheme, thus facilitating all motor traffic in the locality.

There cannot be anyone who would fail to welcome any scheme designed to alleviate the present housing shortage and we feel that the sponsors headed by Mr. U. Tat Chee, the participants, and the architect are to be congratulated and praised for their part in this project.

At a time like the present when the political situation tends to undermine the confidence of investors in Hong Kong. it is rather gratifying to find a project as extensive as this one being proceeded with. The sponsors are mainly members of the Hong Kong Chinese Manufacturers' Union and the Chinese Chambers of Commerce, and it is heartening that such well-known and shrewd businessmen are willing to give such concrete proof of their faith in the Colony, This development is not only significant in itself but is a fore- runner and indication of what we may expect in the future.

In spite of the excellence of the scheme and the thoroughness with which the planning work has been done, one or two very important factors have been omitted.

We are not certain whether the solution lies in the hands of the promoters of the scheme or of some Government Department or Departinents, and it may well be that all these criticisms have already been made by the promoters themselves and steps taken to meet them. We feel that it is regrettable that there is no indication of a planned programme for the planting of trees; it is not enough to rely on the efforts of individual house-owners if a good overall effect is to be obtained. Anyone who has seen the Housing Development which took place in many districts in London and other cities after the 1914-18 war will appreciate how important it is to consider this problem and take steps to deal with it at the earliest possible moment. One wonders also whether the public buildings included in schemes of this kind should not be grouped centrally instead of being distributed over the area. Past experience shows that proximity is one of the greatest factor in ensuring that these buildings are really used. The third and last small point which we wish to raise, although the matter does not apply to this scheme, is that in this type of development in general, it is necessary to avoid too many straight streets. Informal planning is not inconsistent with a sound economical return and leads greatly to the charm and informality of this type of housing development.

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