ENG-1957 — Page 223

LAND AND HOUSING

189

reimbursed to the Government by the Authority, plus a 30% surcharge to cover the cost of pensions, quarters, passages, office accommodation, printing, etc. All the building schemes so far put in hand are being carried out through private architects, but it is hoped in the near future to recruit staff for an architectural section which will initially operate in liaison with the architects undertaking development work, and eventually assume that responsibility.

The Authority's first estate, constructed on reclaimed land on the sea front at Java Road, North Point, was completed and opened by the Governor in November and is now being occupied. There, on a fine site of about 6 acres, 1,955 self-contained flats, in eleven-storey blocks, to accommodate about 12,000 persons, have been erected. Although the den- sity is undoubtedly high, each flat has through draught and uninterrupted access to light and air; in addition, ample provision has been made for open spaces and playgrounds within the estate. The estate also includes an 18-classroom, primary school for 800 pupils, two health clinics, a post office, assembly hall to seat 500 people, and 71 shops. A bus terminus is to be incorporated within the boundaries, and a vehicular-ferry terminal, connecting with Hung Hom on the mainland, will be constructed nearby within the next two years. The flats, which are all self-contained, are of different sizes, to accommodate from five to ten persons. Rents vary from $60 to $138 a month, exclusive of rates and water charges. The minimum accommodation provided consists of a living/dining room and, in addition, each flat has its own kitchen, lavatory, shower, balcony and facilities for drying clothes. An adequate lift service is provided, and there are refuse chutes at central points in each block. The school, clinics and post office were built at Government expense and are run by Government departments. This scheme, which cost over $33,000,000, was designed by Mr. Eric Cumine, F.R.I.B.A.

Site formation work on the Authority's second estate,