Sessional_Paper_1924 — Page 149

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Type of Construction.

With regard to the actual construction and carrying out of the scheme, I recom- mend that the quay walls both for the accommodation of steamers and junks be constructed in blockwork founded on rubble mounds deposited in trenches dredged to depths at which suitable foundations exist. The blockwork construction should be brought up to the level of about 3 feet above L.W.O.S.T. and the wall completed in masonry faced with granite ashlar. To prevent damage to steamers moored alongside the quay, the face of the wall should be provided with wood fenders. The actual con- struction of the breakwater arm at the south-eastern extremity of the scheme should be carried out to a design somewhat similar to that of the breakwater at Mongkoktsui Harbour of Refuge.

A typical cross section of the scheme is shewn on Drawing No. 11.

Extent of Works recommended for immediate construction.

The extent of works recommended for immediate construction is that portion of the scheme shewn coloured pink on the drawings. The carrying out of this section will provide 1,500 feet length of berthage for coaster steamers and on the layout of the land as designed will provide areas for building and open storage aggregating about 784,450 square feet. Pending construction of the second section shewn coloured yellow on plan, it is proposed to protect the eastern boundary of the area shewn coloured pink by the rubble mound foundation and one side wall of a future nullah.

The estimated cost of constructing berthage accommodation, constructing portion of nullah works, reclaiming the area shewn coloured pink, and dredging (to a depth of 30 feet below L.W.O.S.T.) the area of approach channel shewn coloured light pink cross- hatched in red dashes, including 10 per cent for contingencies, is as follows:-

Quay Wall Nullah Works Reclamation Dredging

$ 2,200,000.00

390,000.00

560,000.00

130,000.00

$ 3,280,000.00

This estimated cost, apportioned over the areas of land available as building sites and for open storage, aggregating about 784,450 square feet, amounts to $1.18 per square foot which is considered well within the market value of land in this locality.

HONGKONG CENTRAL..-(LOCAL PASSENGER & CARGO DEPOT, FERRY PIERS, &c.).

Description of Scheme.

Nos. 3, 8, 9 and 10.

The scheme which is shewn on Drawings Nos. 3, 8, 9 and 10 is designed to accom- Drawings modate the local passenger and cargo trade, ferry services, &c., and to satisfy the requirements for its better control and extends from near Douglas Street to the Western Market, over which length of about 2,960 feet of frontage economic construction is possible.

With regard to its design, it is proposed to reclaim about 150 feet seaward of the existing praya wall and from the new sea wall to project piers. The area reclaimed will provide for the accommodation required by the trades to be carried on under this scheme and allow for the widening from 75 feet to 124 feet of Connaught Road. At the eastern end of the scheme, it is proposed to accommodate the Eastern and Central Ferry Services and the handling of mails by the General Post Office. Six berths are provided for ferry boats, one of these berths being designed in the form of a dock for the use of boats engaged in the carrying of both passengers and vehicles. One berth is provided for the use of the G.P.O. At the western end of the scheme, it is proposed to accommodate the Western Ferry Services for which three berths are provided.

By this arrangement the routes of ferry services will not pass through an area which is likely to be used extensively by other craft.