4
6.
Our views on the three points made in
your letter are as follows :
7.
(a)
(b)
(c)
Nobody claims that the Public Works Department architects who are responsible for the design of the new cultural complex are of worldwide repute. Nevertheless, the Government and the Urban Council both recognise the importance of a high standard of design and construction on this prominent site and think that the present design will achieve it. A model of the layout displayed in the City Hall some time ago was generally favourably received by the public.
The
The Governor's decision to retain the clocktower for the time being was quite explicit. The clocktower as a vertical feature is an integral part of the design of the cultural complex. press announcement made it clear that in the long run the matter would be left to public opinion. Only if in the event people feel that the clocktower does not fit well with the rest of the complex will consideration be given to replacing it. Mr. Russell's claim that the Director of Public Works had said that it would not stand up on its own is inexplicable, though it will undoubtedly be expensive to support and maintain the tower in the future.
But
It is true that the arrangements for public participation in the town planning process in UK are more extensive than they are here. We have been considering for some time what improvements to the procedures could be made without paralysing the planning process. we do not think that it would be wise to reveal these to the Heritage Society at this stage, as the Society would conclude that this was an admission that it had been right (which we do not accept), but had acted too late.
A draft reply to the petition is enclosed.
Yours ever
Died Jone
(D.J.C. Jones)
Secretary for the Environment
Encl.
P.S.
An alternative longer reply is also enclosed.
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