ENG-1956 — Page 185

HOUSING

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The Authority's first estate is now under construction on reclaimed land on the sea front at Java Road, North Point. There, on a fine site of about 6 acres, 1,955 self-contained flats, in 11-storey blocks, to accommodate about 12,000 persons are now being erected. Although the density is high, each flat has through draught and uninterrupted access to light and air; ample provision has been made for open spaces and playgrounds within the estate. 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 ferry terminal will be constructed nearby. The flats, which are all self-contained, are of different sizes, to accommodate from 5 to 10 persons. Rents are not yet fixed but will probably vary from about $60 to about $120 a month, exclusive of rates and water charges. The minimum accommodation provided will consist of a living room and separate bed room, 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, and have been designed to approved specifications. The general building contract for this estate, which will cost about $33,000,000, was let in August 1956, and by the end of the year structural work had been completed in all blocks up to the 8th floor. The flats are expected to be ready for occupation in July 1957. An artist's drawing of the estate, as it will appear when completed, was exhibited at the 1956 exhibition of the Royal Academy of Arts in London, and is reproduced between pp. 156-157. The estate is designed by Mr. Eric Cumine, F.R.I.B.A.

Work on the Authority's second estate, overlooking the harbour near Green Island, at Cadogan Street, Kennedy Town, commenced in July 1956. This site, covering 3 acres, is on a steep hillside, entailing fairly extensive cutting and site formation, the cost of which is to be met by a grant from