TNAG-0657-FCO40-806-Town-planning-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 6

C.S. 166

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XCC(77)89

Possibility of resiting the Cultural Complex

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機密

Copy No..3.4. of 40 Page 4

The present site of the Cultural Complex is determined by the existing draft Outline Zoning Plan LK1/56. The Town Planning Board, which has devoted a great deal of care and attention to the problems of Tsim Sha Tsui, was fully aware of the consequences that would flow from the adoption of the zoning pattern in the plan. The site chosen for the Cultural Complex took account of constraints imposed by underground service pipes and the Mass Transit Railway (both of which cross the harbour from this area) and by the nearby Planetarium. The site is so cramped that part of the Cultural Complex will stand on a new reclamation yet to be formed beyond the present Kowloon Public Pier. Bearning in mind also the requirements for a museum block and administration offices, in addition to the two main auditoria which com- prise the Cultural Complex, it would not be possible to resite the auditoria in this area in such a way as to retain the former railway station building. Furthermore, a substantial working space is needed to allow works on the Cultural Complex to proceed and it will be necessary to demolish part of the railway building for this purpose.

Historic interest, architectural quality, landmark significance and cultural value

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The former railway station building which was completed in 1916 is, no doubt, of some historic interest. But even in the Hong Kong context it is not old enough for its age alone to justify its preservation, The Government considers that the building has insufficient architectural merit to warrant preservation on that account. (It is perhaps relevant to point out that the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance does not provide for preservation on the grounds of architectural significance). The fact that the station is a familiar landmark is probably the only significant consideration in the eyes of the general public.

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The new Cultural Complex would soon become an important landmark and it remains to be seen whether it is necessary to comple- ment it by the retention of the clock-tower. (The disturbed faces of the clock-tower could be refinished with materials salvaged from the station building). The value of the railway station for cultural uses is very limited, and very costly remedial and conversion works would be required to make it usable for such purposes. Cost considerations apart, although the building might, after expensive conversion, provide lecture rooms, music practice rooms, student study rooms, library storage and book processing rooms, etc, there is no possibility of it providing a good, modern auditorium. Given the very limited arguments for its preservation, therefore, it does not appear to be in the public interest to retain a second-hand building with limited uses which would

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