TNAG-0657-FCO40-806-Town-planning-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 37

IV, cont.

clock tower and several modernistic buildings. # The sketches

were very basic.

40

On 24 May, 1975, at a meeting of the Urban Council's Cultural

Complex Sub-Committee, it was as yet unclear from the statements of

the Director, Urban Services and Principal Government Architect whether

or not the building would be demolished.

5.

In 1975 the Hong Kong Institute of Architects requested a

competition for the Cultural Complex design.

6.

On 22nd October, 1975, the Chairman, Urban Council stated that

the programme had gone too far ahead for any major change to be

instituted. On the same day, however, the further discussion showed

that the demolition of the K.C.R. building was far from settled

there was the suggestion that it be used for Government offices, and

there was great uncertainty over the time schedule, and a formal

allocation of the site to the Urban Council had not taken place.

7.

The sketches and layout were changed in 1976. On 24 June, 1976

a "proposed revised layout" was noted. The Chairman, Urban Council

said. and the Principal Goverment Architect agreed, that the proposed

bus terminus on the site of wie Marine Police &ation and Hill involved

a 'going back'

on the understanding earlier reached about the Marine Police Station site being preserved as open space. At the time the Principal Government Architect and some Urban Councillors were in

favour of keeping the clock tower as it was a historical feature

symbolizing Kowloon, and was a landmark.

8.

On 25 August, 1976, the revised schedule of construction was

presented. Mr. Prescott wrote to the Chairman, Urban Council to

preserve the K.C.R. building. Mrs. Elliott supported the preservation

of the K.C.R. building and a new plan to alter the layout.

9.

The Principal Government Architect said this would have radical

effects and would involve a complete re-design of the current plans

which were far advanced.

10.

However, on 5 February, 1977, there was still discussion whether

or not to include a science museum in the plans. At the time the

Cultural Complex plans were in Category B, and it was ascertained that

/p.7 they were