1959-1960 — Page 38

Mr. W. SZETO. They are generously sited within ample open space and recreation area, including a children's playground, shelter, and rest garden. (see Figs. 8 and 9).

97. At the rear of the site, backing up to the hillside surmounted by the Carlton Hotel, and with their roofs almost at the same height as its terrace, will be Blocks A, B, C, D, and M, designed by Messrs. Chau & Lee. These 16-storey buildings will contain 1,765 flats, housing about 10,562 people.

Contracts Awarded

98.

PROGRESS MADE

Details of a number of contracts and sub-contracts awarded can be found in Appendix VII.

Blocks A, B, C, D & M (Messrs. Chau & Lee)

99. The original design of these 16-storey blocks, on the highest reaches of the site, provided for 11-person flats, except for Block M, which was intended to accommodate 6-7 person families. Some doubt was later expressed about the potential rentability of this accommoda- tion, and in June 1959, modified sketch plans were prepared for smaller flats in Blocks A, B, C and D. At the same time the architects were instructed to proceed with architectural details for Block M, as original- ly planned.

100. Following consideration of the revised sketch plans for the other four blocks in September 1959, it was agreed to substitute 6-person for the 11-person flats first envisaged, thus providing 662 more flats, at an additional cost of approximately $500,000. Under the new scheme a total of 9,520 persons will be housed in this section.

101. A thorough site investigation was carried out by Messrs. Paul Lee Engineering Co. of this particular area. Their report recommended the use of pile foundations, despite the known existence of boulders, which will have to be removed. Following soil tests and trial borings, tenders for the piling of Block M were invited, and the contract was subsequently awarded to the Hong Kong Engineering & Construction Co. for $167,850. The work is expected to start in July 1960, and take two months to complete.

102. Working drawings for Blocks A, B, C & D have been approved by the Building Authority in principle, and preparation of detail draw- ings has started.

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