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# HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
## ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN (in English):---Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Before we start our meeting, I know you will want me to congratulate our Vice-Chairman, Dr. Henry Hu, on his appointment as a Justice of the Peace. We are sure that he will discharge his duties with distinction. (Applause).
## MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 12th October, 1976 were confirmed.
## STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN (in English): -For just over twenty years the Council has been concerned with providing public swimming pools in urban Hong Kong. In this period of time, with the financial assistance of the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, 38 pools of different dimensions have been opened for public use in 7 separate locations. Mention should be made, for the record, that there is also a full complex of 8 pools in Tsuen Wan and more are planned for the towns in the New Territories. All together they constitute a civic amenity with few parallels elsewhere in an area similarly so short of land and teeming with people.
With the help of feasibility studies the Council has opted for the construction of complexes consisting normally of eight pools each. This pattern is thought to give the best use of scarce land in crowded surroundings. Grouping such swimming facilities together also makes for easier and more economical management. Nevertheless, regular evaluation of use is undertaken to ensure that present construction plans will suit the likely requirements at the time the projected pools will be ready.
The aim has been to build one such pool complex for every 250,000 people, with at least one set in every district. This target may not be achieved so easily. Indeed, in older developments there is little land to spare for such a purpose. Still, wherever space may be found, one or more pools are built even if there is not enough land for a full complex. For, this popular form of physical recreation is enjoyed not only by those living in the immediate neighbourhood but by residents of other districts as well.
Attendance figures are always most impressive. In fact, it is estimated that from 1st April to 31st October, no fewer than 2.8 million people used these Council pools in addition to 14,000 different occasions when they were booked for exclusive use by schools, clubs and other groups.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
It was thought that with seven complexes now in operation (38 pools) in our urban areas and two more under construction at present and also with four other sites reserved for eventual development in this manner, the Council would have virtually reached the limit of possibilities in city areas. Of course, the Council has the will and the means to carry on. And, it is anxious to do so. Certainly, public demand continues unabated. While, such additional sites as may have already been reserved are not free for development as yet, and even not likely to be so for a long time, unfortunately.
In such circumstances other land has to be found. Also, new residential districts are being built and existing ones are extending in area. Consequently, in reviewing the position, it has been suggested that the Council should think of building public swimming pools in Yau Tong, Lei Yue Mun, Lung Cheung Road, Lai Chi Kok, Sham Shui Po, Ho Man Tin and Yau Ma Tei, apart from the projects already scheduled for Kowloon Park, Hammer Hill, Chai Wan, and Wan Chai. Anyway, the search is on. It is actually up to the Government to allocate suitable sites in these areas for the Council's requirements. And, we trust it will be done soon in order that the present generation of citizens may have fun and healthy exercise through the use of such recreational amenities very much appreciated by the community. Let us hope it will be proved true before too long that where there's a will there's a way.
## PAPER
The following paper was laid on the table:
Report to the Urban Council by the Director of Urban Services and Secretary, Urban Council, for the month of October 1976.
(Mr. B. A. BERNACCHI arrived at this point.)
## QUESTIONS
(1) MRS. E. ELLIOTT asked the following question (in English): -
Would the Council consider issuing licences to hawkers who have been operating regularly as hawkers and are unable because of age or lack of experience to take up any other kind of work?
Page 58 of 135
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82
Page 58 of 135
83
82
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN (in English):---Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Before we start our meeting, I know you will want me to congratulate our Vice-Chairman, Dr. Henry Hu, on his appointment as a Justice of the Peace. We are sure that he will discharge his duties with distinc- tion. (Applause).
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 12th October, 1976 were confirmed.
STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN (in English): -For just over twenty years the Council has been concerned with providing public swimming pools in urban Hong Kong. In this period of time, with the financial assistance of the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, 38 pools of different dimensions have been opened for public use in 7 separate locations. Mention should be made, for the record, that there is also a full complex of 8 pools in Tsuen Wan and more are planned for the towns in the New Territories. All together they constitute a civic amenity with few parallels elsewhere in an area similarly so short of land and teeming with people.
With the help of feasibility studies the Council has opted for the construction of complexes consisting normally of eight pools each. This pattern is thought to give the best use of scarce land in crowded surroundings. Grouping such swimming facilities together also makes for easier and more economical management. Nevertheless, regular evaluation of use is undertaken to ensure that present construction plans will suit the likely requirements at the time the projected pools will be ready.
The aim has been to build one such pool complex for every 250,000 people, with at least one set in every district. This target may not be achieved so easily. Indeed, in older developments there is little land to spare for such a purpose. Still, wherever space may be found, one or more pools are built even if there is not enough land for a full com- plex. For, this popular form of physical recreation is enjoyed not only by those living in the immediate neighbourhood but by residents of other districts as well.
Attendance figures are always most impressive. In fact, it is estimated that from 1st April to 31st October, no fewer than 2.8 million
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
people used these Council pools in addition to 14,000 different occasions when they were booked for exclusive use by schools, clubs and other groups.
It was thought that with seven complexes now in operation (38 pools) in our urban areas and two more under construction at present and also with four other sites reserved for eventual development in this manner, the Council would have virtually reached the limit of possi- bilities in city areas. Of course, the Council has the will and the means to carry on. And, it is anxious to do so. Certainly, public demand continues unabated. While, such additional sites as may have already been reserved are not free for development as yet, and even not likely to be so for a long time, unfortunately.
In such circumstances other land has to be found. Also, new residential districts are being built and existing ones are extending in area. Consequently, in reviewing the position, it has been suggested that the Council should think of building public swimming pools in Yau Tong, Lei Yue Mun, Lung Cheung Road, Lai Chi Kok, Sham Shui Po, Ho Man Tin and Yau Ma Tei, apart from the projects already scheduled for Kowloon Park, Hammer Hill, Chai Wan, and Wan Chai. Anyway, the search is on. It is actually up to the Government to allocate suitable sites in these areas for the Council's requirements. And, we trust it will be done soon in order that the present generation of citizens may have fun and healthy exercise through the use of such recreational amenities very much appreciated by the community. Let us hope it will be proved true before too long that where there's a will there's a way.
PAPER
The following paper was laid on the table:
Report to the Urban Council by the Director of Urban Services and Secretary, Urban Council, for the month of October 1976.
(Mr. B. A. BERNACCHI arrived at this point.)
QUESTIONS
(1) MRS. E. ELLIOTT asked the following question (in English): -
Would the Council consider issuing licences to hawkers who have been operating regularly as hawkers and are unable because of age or lack of experience to take up any other kind of work?
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.