much needed land can be prod:::ed at low cost while at the same time providing an outlet for surplus ma- terial from site developments and building demolitions.
Pier Replacement
Incorporated in the seawall will be drainage outfalls for the existing
drains, which will have to be extend- ed because of the reclamation, and enable also pumphouse intakes to seawater to be supplied for air con- ditioning plants for
for the numerous multi-storey buildings in the water- front area.
As the central reclamation scheme progressed westward from the Naval Dockyard, it became necessary construct piers to replace those that were in the area to be reclaimed.
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The first of these was Queen's Pier which is now sited directly opposite the front of the City Hall.
This re- placed a pier that abutted Connaught Road just opposite the Cenotaph.
Then the old Star Ferry pier which was orginally sited opposite the end of Ice House Street was replaced by the present piers which were com- pleted in 1957.
Westward from the Star Ferry piers are the four berths for Post Office launches; these were recently completed and are now in use. Next to them is Blake pier which replaces the old pier named after a late Governor of Hong Kong. It was situated opposite the end of Pedder Street and has just been demolished: the superstructure, which was con- sidered to be of architectural interest, will be reassembled in a park in Kowloon to provide a shelter.
Pedestrian Podium
The new Blake pier is constructed in the shape of an 'L' to give a de- gree of protection to the launches moored in the vicinity. In its con- struction 18 in. x 18 in. prestressed concrete piles up to 85 ft. long were used and also prestressed concrete decking slabs. The "long line" method of prestressing was used for these works.
The roof has been designed as a promenade with sitting out facilities and this will eventually connect with the pedestrian podium that will cover
a
large part of the reclamation. Until this podium has been construct- ed temporary stairs will give access to this part of the pier which has recently been opened to the public.
To the west of the existing Vehi- cular Ferry piers. a new passenger ferry pier was completed in October 1964. This pier was to replace those berths alongside the Vehicular Ferry pier which will be sterilised by the reclamation. It is 254 ft. 6 in. long with a width of 78 ft. 6 in. having a ferry berth on each side. Like Blake pier, it is founded on 18 in. x
CENTRAL RECLAMATION
SCHEME
MACAU FERRY
GOVERNMENT PIER
PASSENGER
FERRY PIERS
MARE
VÊNICULAR FEART PIEAS
BLAKE PIER
POST OFFICE
BEATHS
RECLAMATION
IN HAND
VICTORIA
18 in. prestressed concrete piles and incorporates special prestressed deck slabs.
To enable ferries to berth at all states of the tide, which varies by some 8 ft., lifts and ramps have been installed in the pier for raising and and lowering to suit the ferry's gang- way.
The fender system at the berths consists of 10 in. x 8 in. timbers at- tached to 12 in. x 12 in. walings supported by rocker piles, and these are cushioned by 15 in. and 10 in. diameter tubular rubber fenders, al-
lowing movement of about 6 in.
This pier in addition to providing passenger facilities, houses on its roof the Hong Kong & Yaumati Ferry Co.'s offices and board room.
Under construction to the west of this pier and abutting the new sea- wall, is a similar pier also for the use of the same ferry company. This is of similar design but will not have offices on the roof.
Finally, between this pier and the
SMALL BOAT MOORINGS
RECLAMATION
IN
HAND
折
STAR FERRY PIERS
existing reclamation which provides the Macau Ferry berths will be a two- armed pier having 12 sets of landing steps for the use of the numerous Government launches. This pier will have a seamen's recruiting centre on the roof of one arm and offices on the roof of the other.
It is expected that the entire sea- wall from the Star Ferry to the Macau Ferry berths will be complet- ed by September 1966, together with all the piers. The date of comple- tion of the reclamation behind the seawalls will depend on the rate of public dumping, which in turn de- pends on the rate of site development on Hong Kong Island.
Wanchai Reclamation
While the central reclamation scheme enters its final stages, a new scheme for reclamation between the Dockyard and the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club in the Wanchai area is being planned and has in fact started. The initial purpose of this reclama-
New Blake Pier with roof promenade. Land in foreground has been reclaimed since 1963.
Far East Architect & Builder November, 1965
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