TNAG-0534-FCO40-629-UK-aid-to-Hong-Kong-Polytechnic-and-technical-institutions-1975 — Page 240

10.

(a)

- 4

apart from the Library, Phase I includes no additional student or staff facilities and amenities; and at these densities they will be essential.

It will be appreciated that the revised plans have of necessity been examined in close consultation with Polytechnic officers and the recommendations now being made owe much to the realism and sense of practicalities shown by the Polytechnic Board of Governors. The formal Polytechnic proposals are substantially the same as those now put forward except for one point. This concerns an amenity which, in view of the relatively crowded site, must be strongly supported but not perhaps as an item to be found from Government funds. The Polytechnic Board has pressed for the inclusion of a swimming pool at a total cost of approximately $1.2m. The Committee believes this to be highly desirable but considers it would be a project more appropriate for private support.

11.

The Committee's previous recommendation for Phase II apart from staff student amenities included workshops and multi-purpose accommodation. However, in view of the foregoing re-appraisal, only a very limited area of workshop space is required and this can be provided with the extension of the podium. It is considered therefore the main requirement for Phase II is to deal with the student and staff amenities, and these should be :

(a)

Communal facilities;

(b) Student Union;

(c) Staff and student common rooms;

(a)

Recreation rooms;

(e)

Canteens for staff and students; and

(f)

Gymnasium.

12.

The necessary plant rooms will be located in the area under the podium, and there will also be space for workshops: but this will not be known until details of the layout are available. The building costs based on September 1974 prices are estimated at $24 million.

13.

In order to take advantage of the continuity of the building contracts for Phase I, the contract for Phase II should be let early in 1976. The construction could then run more or less continuously, so that these facilities would be available as the Polytechnic nears the student target of 7,000 by 1978. As far as can be seen at the moment this Phase II would take about 18 to 22 months to complete, i.e. it should be completed by about Easter 1978. To adhere to this tight schedule it will be necessary for Government to reach a decision by February 1975 because the Polytechnic's architects need to be told to prepare the

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