TNAG-2659-FCO40-3855-Future-of-Hong-Kong-British-Consulate-General-1992 — Page 29

Meeting with British Council (Tony O'Brien and David Lee) at 3.30 p.m. 5 March (Mr Lee was unable to meet my request for an earlier meeting, am 4 March):

9.1

9.2

I informed the British Council of the current progress of the project and advised them of the procedures and timing for viewing and commenting on the outline designs (see para 8.4) and that the current programme indicated occupation of the new building by late 1995. I advised that a kitchen of 14m2 had been added to the SOR as item P38 (a) to interconnect with the Hall (P38).

The British Council raised several points:-

(a)

-

Mr Lee

Services including air-conditioning stressed that the British Council had their own budget and it was necessary for the services and their costs to be separately controllable. Mr O'Brien also hoped that the air conditioning system for most areas, e.g. classrooms, could have individual controls. I pointed out that the Consultant Architects were already aware of these requirements.

PJ67.ADS

(b)

Multi-purpose hall

-

Pse see para 7(a)

(c)

Parking

(d)

(e)

Pse see para 7(b)

-

Furnishing and Equipment In response to various questions I stated that the project costs would include provision for office furniture and fittings such as desks, chairs, tables, shelving and trunking and ducting infrastructure but not specialised equipment such as videos, VDUS, telephones and photocopiers. I also stated that the Architect/Furniture designer would consult with the British Council, at a later stage of the project, about furniture, furnishing and interior design.

Additional British Council Staff - Mr O'Brien considers that there is a need for more commitment to the project by the British Council Hong Kong. He proposed that David Lee (Director of Administration) take on a project role and additional staff recruited on a part-

time/temporary basis to assist with the normal day to day administration. Mr O'Brien suggested that the cost of this should be down to the project. agreed to discuss with the appropriate Sections in London but did not hold out much hope.