Radio_Hong_Kong_1965-1966 — Page 7

INTRODUCTION-GENERAL REVIEW

As recorded in my last annual report, Radio Hong Kong is to be reaccommodated in a new studio centre. The Canadian firm of N. J. Pappas & Associates of Montreal, who specialize in the design and construction of buildings for the performing arts, have been appointed as architects and engineers for the project and during the year under review a considerable amount of preparatory work was carried out by them and the Government departments concerned. Working drawings are expected to be finished at the beginning of 1967, and the building is expected to be ready for occupation towards the end of 1968.

2. The chronic shortage of accommodation in Mercury House was alleviated to some extent in June by the acquisition of a further 2,300 square feet on the 8th floor of Mercury House, the Far East Head- quarters of Cable & Wireless Ltd. Ten new offices were provided and the General and Accounts Office was reprovisioned at the same time. Considerable use is still made of the engineering accommodation which has been retained in the old Naval Dockyard Headquarters. These premises are used both for the design and installation of new equipment as well as the routine servicing of larger items.

3. The department's medium wave transmitters are at present located in the Hung Hom area of the Kowloon peninsula. As long ago as 1953 it was recognized that the development of Hung Hom area would probably result in the need to remove the medium wave station to a new site and the subject has been under periodic examination since then. However, the announcement of the proposed construction of a cross harbour tunnel between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon has created a sense of immediacy since the access roads are due to pass very close to the existing transmitting station. The present power of the transmitters is too low to provide satisfactory Colony-wide coverage and in February 1966 Government approved the removal of the station from Hung Hom to a site at Smugglers Ridge, located in the foothills about 5 miles from Kowloon. The new proposals call for two pairs of trans- mitters, each with an effective output of 20 kilowatts. Arrangements are now in hand to call for tenders for the design and installation of the necessary equipment. The Hung Hom site must be vacated by December,

1