TNAG-2963-FCO40-4242-Future-of-Hong-Kong-British-Consulate-General-Steering-Comm-1993 — Page 8

2. Update on progress/Treasury approval: The MRS report

The

Mr

had been circulated. The £3 million contract for the

demolition of Colvin House had gone to Wylie Construction

and would start in approximately two weeks.

demolition works might present a photo opportunity.

Davies wondered whether he should strike the first

demolition blow. Alternatively a Ministerial visit (Mr

Goodlad) or the arrival of Mr Cornish might provide

another 'peg' for publicity, rather than just the start

of works.

The subject of publicity/advertising was mentioned in regard to the awning and boardings that will surround the construction site. The design logo by Farrells would be

painted on the boardings. The question of advertising

space was also raised. Ms Fowler is to find out if we

are free to advertise.

Mr Davies suggested that a press release could be issued for the start of works. It was agreed that it may be

prudent to make mention of the conservation of

particular trees and that replanting will also take

place to counteract any bad press on the destruction

of the surrounding trees and plants.

The question was raised on whether the two buildings would be constructed separately or together. Mr Whittle

explained that they would be built simultaneously, floor

by floor. Completion date was estimated at February 1996

with occupation still taking place as originally planned

on 1st July 1996.

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3. British Council:

Mr Buchanan spoke of the need for

the Summer School to be up and running by August 96.

The possibility of the Summer School being held at the

present premises, and the new School term (September) to

start at the new building, were discussed. Mr Buchanan

felt there was insufficient time to move venues as

there are very few days between the two sessions and it

would be difficult to accomplish.

Mr Kelly raised the security of the large windows

in the design. There are two hotels overlooking the

BCG building and he felt the windows should be darkened,

or canopies/blinds be used. The committee agreed that

the security aspects of the building should again be

taken up with Security Department.

Mr Buchanan asked what the allocation of funds was for

the art work for the new building and the sculpture for the back garden. He believed an initial sum had been set

aside by OED. Mr whittle confirmed the budget for the

furnishings, interior design, and art work was loosely

set at HK$14.5 million. Mr Buchanan asked if a figure

could be isolated from the main budget at the next

approval stage. Mr Whittle confirmed £100,000 was a good

estimate. Mr Buchanan suggested the £100,000 be used to

attract more money in Hong Kong.

Mr Davies proposed that a sub-committee be formed to

overlook the artwork etc, and Mr Buchanan should be

Chairman with representatives from FCO, OED, British

Council and the BTC.

The question was raised as to whether all the furnishings

could be British. FCO Procurement and OED prefer to use

firms whose products were fully evaluated, put out to European tender, and subsequently became the approved ranges for FCO use. Other products can be used but the need for European tendering should be borne in mind. Mr Whittle confirmed that FCO Procurement Hong Kong would be

responsible for supplying furnishings to the new building. It was suggested that there should be one style of furnishing throughout the buildings, however,

the British Council have their own ideas using their corporate colours, and slightly different needs particularly for classroom desks, chairs etc. Mr Buchanan asked if they could take the cash instead to use

in furnishing their building, and if an idea of the cost

of lighting and utilities could be given. Mr Whittle estimated $4.00 per square foot.

The British Council also mentioned car parking facilities

and would like it on record that they require four

parking spaces. The committee were informed that there will be a total of 41 spaces including residential

needs and that it was too costly to build an underground

car-park. VIP' S can be driven past the entrance gate

where they can be dropped off undercover, and there will

be a bay where the chauffeur and car can wait.

4.

5.

British Chamber - Co-location: no comments.

Garrison use of the British Consulate after 1997: Mr

Baker produced a draft paper on the proposed requirements

The Consulate might have to carry out some functions on

behalf of the Garrison, or conceivably a very few people (provisionally no more than half a dozen) would need to

stay for a short period in order to tidy up any loose

ends after the withdrawal. Mr Whittle was asked about

the provision of space, and it was agreed that there should be no problems with the garrison using spare

offices within the Consulate area for a small number of

people for a short space of time. It was too late to

make a formal request for extra allocations of space,

nor would the garrison wish to do so. Mr Baker invited