TNAG-0774-FCO40-978-Redevelopment-of-the-former-Kowloon-Canton-Railway-Station-1978 — Page 25

IV, cont.

7.

they wore due for the first review in about August, 1977. It was also reported that the Schedule of Accommodation was not yet finalized but that drawings were proceeding on the assumption that it would be along the format agreed by the Urban Council. Finance Branch would consider finance pending the final schedule of accommodation and detailed costing of the various components of the Cultural Complex.

11. A Chief Architect with the Publio Works Department stressed that the clock tower should be retained as it was a landmark, and the whole Cultural Complex evolved around the tower.

12. The Director, Urban Services said that the Town Planning Board had agreed to leave the tower so that the public could see if the tower

alone would be a shambles.

Press File

age 20

Press Pilo ?*g* 37

13.

Despite letters to the press (S.C.M.P. Feb. 9) the Antiquities Advisory Board met and did not provide the public with an opportunity to put its views to it. The fact that the Board would listen to all views on the matter of the preservation of the K.C.R. building was announced in the S.C.M.P. on 20 April, 1977. The Board released its recommendation on Monday, 25 April, 1977.

24. The Society requested and were granted an interview by the Director, Urban Services on 3 May, 1977. They were not made aware of what transpired at the Standing Committee meeting held the same morning, in which there was discussion regarding the K.C.R. building, and the Director, Urban Services made known the Director, Public Works views and his strongly felt view in favour of demolition "the sooner the

better".

nnex. P

15.

At the meeting of 3 May, the Heritage Society requested the Director, Urban Services that the recommendation of the Antiquities Advisory Board should not be conveyed to Your Excellency, until the publio had time to consider the recomme nda ti on. A copy of the letter

that was written is annexed.

16. In dd-May, an inspection of plans at A/O. P.W.D. revealed the information that detailed drawings were not finished. Only drainage plans and outlines of buildings were shown. On 10 May, 1977, the Heritage Society requested borrowing the plans. This was refused.

/p.8 puru.17 The