TNAG-0962-FCO40-1181-Possible-new-airport-for-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 8

(b) with the formation of this additional

land, balanced development of the whole area (which would amount to about 245 hectares) is feasible and that even after earmarking about 75% of the area for open space, GIC uses and arterial roads, the proceeds from land sales could be as high as 25,600 million if current land prices obtained at that time (the land will be in New Kowloon). Land formation costs for the reclamation referred to in (a) are expected to be #150 million but this does not include the cost of providing the roads or GIC facilities. To develop the area and to sell the sites could take up to ten years after the replacement airport is opened;

(c)

although the closure would invalidato existing building height restrictions based on the present flight path by virtue of the Hong Kong Airport (Control of Obstructions) Ordinance (Cap 301), the complete removal of such restrictions might lead to more intensive redevelopment in the affected areas which are already under- provided in terms of community services and infrastructural facilities. An extensive exercise to determine the density of development which will be acceptable in each area will therefore be necessary, and, where appropriate, controls will have to be enforced through statutory Town Plans.

THE OUTCOME OF THE CONSULTANCY

Air services demand forecasts

140

A copy of the Lxecutive Summary of the Consultants' report is at Annex A, while two copies of their complete report are available in the Umelco Office should honourable Members wish to pursue any particular aspect of their report in greater depth.

15.

The air traffic forecasts for Hong Kong (see para 11(a) above) were reviewed and updated by the Consultants in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Department and the international aviation community.

16.

In consequence, the previous forecasts of passenger and cargo movements have been modified in certain respects. Nevertheless they confirm that unconstrained air traffic in Hong Kong will reach the capacity of Kai Tak for some hours of the day in 1984/ 85 and will steadily lead to increasing congestion thereafter.