TNAG-0534-FCO40-629-UK-aid-to-Hong-Kong-Polytechnic-and-technical-institutions-1975 — Page 232

XCC(74)36

i

The proposals for development put forward by the Polytechnic architects envisage that a large proportion of the area available will be covered by a podium with a ceiling some 16 feet high, and that projecting through the podium will be cylindrical towers containing all services. These towers will be connected by a series of standard blocks. On areas not covered by the podium common-use buildings will be sited; while areas beneath the podium will be used for heavy workshops, vehicular access, services and goods delivery etc. The multi-purpose standard blocks will have a maximum height of six floors above the podium. The tallest blocks will be 135 feet above ground level, and this would permit the adding of a further storey within the height limitations, provided that the foundations are designed to cater for this possibility. The Committee took the view that the buildings now proposed should not be taken to the maximum permitted height as part of the present development plan, but recommended that all foundations should be designed to permit ultimate use of the full height availability (paragraph 10 of Annex C).

Phasing of the Polytechnic Development Plan

17

The Polytechnic development plan (Annex C) has been prepared as a three phase operation. Phase I involving construction of 734, 117 square feet at an estimated cost of $97, 134,000 while Phase II provides a further 425, 592 square feet at an estimated cost of $62,722,000. Phase III would add a further 646, 174 square feet at an estimated cost of $92, 490,000, making an overall estimated cost for Phases I to III of $252, 347,000 (at approximately $139.74 a square foot).

18

The Committee examined the architects proposals in detail, and while believing that the scheme is gound in principle, nevertheless had a number of reservations.(paragraph 14 of Aunex C) regarding space utilisation, lifts, and air conditioning. The Committee therefore felt able to recommend overall reductions in respect of Phases I and II, achieved by improving utilisation of space, reducing the number of lifts, limiting air conditioning, and adopting a student target of 8, 000 full time equivalent students only in substitution for the architect's brief from the Polytechnic for a target of 8,000 to 10,000 full timé equivalent students. These UFGC recommendations would reduce the funds required for Phases I and II by $24, 800, 000.

19

While endorsing the basic concept of the Polytechnic development plan, the Committee warned that in relation to a project of this size there must necessarily be a large number of assumptions which might require further consideration as the project unfolds.

CONFIDENTIAL

2416 WAS

容

}