ENG-1955 — Page 157

HOUSING

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The object of the projects so far formulated by the Housing Authority is to provide flats of a good basic standard suitable for, and within the means of, the white collar class of worker. In March the Government approved the plans for the first estate, to be constructed on reclaimed land on the sea-front off Java Road, North Point. There, on a 6-acre site, 1,975 self-contained flats, in 11-storey blocks, to accommodate about 16,000 persons, are in the process of being erected. The estate includes a school for 800 pupils, two health clinics, a post office, community centre, and 73 shops. A bus terminus will be incorporated within the boundaries, and a passenger ferry terminal will be con- structed nearby. The flats are of different sizes, to accom- modate from five to ten persons. Rents are not yet fixed, but will probably vary from about $50 to about $100 a month, exclusive of rates and water charges. The minimum accommodation provided will consist of a living room and separate bedroom, and in addition each flat will have its own kitchen, lavatory, shower, balcony and facilities for drying clothes. An adequate lift service will be provided, and there will be refuse chutes at central points in each block. The school, clinics, and post office will be run by Government Departments. The total cost of the scheme is estimated to exceed $26,000,000 and the flats should be ready for occupation in July 1957. The estate is designed by Mr. Eric Cumine, F.R.I.B.A.

In August the Government approved plans for the next estate, to be constructed at Cadogan Street, Kennedy Town, and costing about $7,000,000. This site, covering 3 acres, is on steep hillside, entailing fairly extensive cutting and site formation, the cost of which is to be met by a grant from Colonial Development and Welfare. The buildings are being planned on cross-contour development, and at its highest point the site is about 285 ft. above street-level. 640 flats will be constructed, in five blocks, averaging 9 storeys in height, and designed to accommodate about 4,500 persons. There will also be a 3-storey community centre, warehouses, and a number of shops; provision has been made for play- grounds and open spaces within the development. The flats on this estate are generally of a simpler type than at North Point, but are likewise self-contained, and provided with shower, balcony, kitchen and lavatory. Lifts and refuse chutes will be installed. Rents are likely to vary from about $65 to about $90 a month, exclusive of rates and water

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