TNAG-2660-FCO40-3856-Future-of-Hong-Kong-British-Consulate-General-1992 — Page 21

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work to be done on security aspects they were satisfied that

the movement of both Consular staff and visitors at the main

gate could be adequately controlled at all times.

4.

There was the discussion of the large multi-purpose hall. In the Farrell design, this was situated in the

British Council block. This reflected the design brief.

on

Access to this room from the Consulate block was torturous

at present. OED were confident that a more direct link could be developed. It was agreed that the main user of the

Hall was likely to be the British Council. It would also be

suitable for larger commercial events, there would be enough

space for most commercial events including reception of

Trade Missions in the Commercial Section. It was agreed in

discussion that there was scope for further work and the

design of various spaces in the commercial area (items D10,

D20, J5 and J6 in the design brief) to ensure that this

interesting area of the building was used to best advantage.

It was noted that the multi-purpose hall put the total floor area of the British Council over the 6500 square metres allocated to it and this was causing some problems.

of resolving this would be to reduce the number of classrooms in the British Council which at present

stood at 30.

A way

5.

RMD

The committee then considered whether the schedule of

requirements remained fully up to date. It had been

difficult to decide staffing levels at the future Consulate

General as no-one could predict what the situation in Hong

Kong would be in and after 1997, and what would be the

demand for the BCG's Consular and immigration services.

and PMD asked to be given more information on how the

staffing figures had been reached. Also OED wanted to know

whether it had been formally agreed to include the British

Chamber of Commerce inside the Consulate. HKD agreed to provide both these answers.

JH3ACS/2

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