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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

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in your reply and if you can't do so, can you obtain an explanation for this discrepancy.

CHAIRMAN:--I will try to obtain an explanation, Mr. BLAKER,

MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Mr. Chairman, could Mr. SALES revert to his former role of answering questions and answer No. 10. (Laughter).

(10) MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN asked the following question:—

In view of the serious shortage of playground space in Shau Kei Wan, as highlighted by the fact that two boys tragi- cally lost their lives while playing on a sand pile in Shau Kei Wan last month, can the Chairman advise what plans are afoot to provide additional recreation space and facilities in Shau Kei Wan this year for the large number of young people in that district?

MR. A. de O. SALES, CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION AND AMENITIES SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows:

Sir, I would be delighted to oblige Mr. CHEONG-LEEN as usual,

and to accommodate him at all times.

This question relates to the provision of public recreation areas in Shau Kei Wan with which Mr. CHEONG-LEEN has been concerned before.

There is indeed a lack of public open space in Shau Kei Wan where there is, at present, only 0.79 of an acre developed as such, and I can assure Members that the Recreation and Amenities Select Committee wants very much to improve the situation.

The approved Outline Zoning Plan for the area provides for 35.8 acres of open space, this being 14.1% of the total area covered by the plan. In addition, there are the 33.7 acres of green belt to the cast and south of the area. Due to the large amount of formation and reclamation work which will be required, development of the open space will have to be phased gradually over a number of years. However, planning has already been completed for the development of the top of the Shau Kei Wan Service Reservoir as a playground measuring nearly 4 acres. Estimates for the project are awaited, but it is hoped that development will take place in 1971.

Another facility to be provided this year is a small playground on the roof of the Shau Kei Wan Market now under construction. When this market is completed, it will also be possible to move the temporary market which now occupies part of the Factory Street Playground—thus allowing for an extension of this playground to half

an acre.

Other possibilities being actively investigated are the develop- ment of recreation areas at A Kung Ngam, Sai Wan Ho and Basel Road to provide a further 2.45 acres of developed open space or playgrounds but, whilst the Recreation and Amenities Select Committee will press for the early development of these areas, it is unlikely that development will take place in 1971. In addition, the provision of a playground, with active sports facilities on the Aldrich Bay reclamation is also under investigation. The area set aside for open space on the reclamation is 2.80 acres.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Mr. Chairman, does the Chairman of the Recreation and Amenities Select Committee have any advance informa- tion or preliminary information as to when space on the Aldrich Bay reclamation could be made available?

MR. SALES: Mr. Chairman, there is no information at the present time because, as I said, it concerns the reclamation. The development of this plot of land will include a floodlit mini soccer pitch, a basketball court, an indoor games hall, a children's playground and rest garden taking about 2.80 acres. This will depend on the reclamation work, and it is a pity that the Director of Public Works is not here with us today to give Mr. CHEONG-LEEN the answer which he seeks.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Could the department obtain this information from the Public Works Department and submit it to me together with a copy to the Chairman of the Recreation and Amenities Select Com- mittee, Mr. Chairman?

CHAIRMAN:-I will try.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN: --Thank you.

MR. H. M. G. FORSGATE:-Mr. Chairman, as children will always play in piles of sand no matter how many playgrounds there are in the vicinity, would it be more to the point if the Public Works Department, who operate the sand monopoly, took steps to control the children playing in the vicinity.

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