ENG-2008 — Page 275

Infrastructure Development and Heritage Conservation | 219

New Development Areas in New Territories

Following the announcement of the planning for New Development Areas (NDAs) as one of the major infrastructure projects for economic growth in the Chief Executive's 2007-08 Policy Address, the North East New Territories New Development Areas Planning and Engineering Study, commissioned jointly by the Civil Engineering and Development Department and the Planning Department, was launched in June. 2008 with a view to formulating a feasible planning and development framework for the implementation of Kwu Tung North, Fanling North and Ping Che/Ta Kwu Ling NDAs to address long term housing and employment needs. The planning and engineering study on the Hung Shui Kiu NDA is scheduled for commencement in 2009.

Transport Infrastructure

The Chief Executive pledged in his Policy Address in October 2007 to push ahead with 10 large-scale infrastructure projects to expand the room for Hong Kong's further development, improve transportation, and foster cross-boundary integration with the neighbouring regions of Shenzhen and the Pearl River Delta. Details of the projects on transport infrastructure are contained in Chapter 13.

Building Development

Private Sector

Quality and sustainable buildings are necessary features of a prosperous and modern metropolis. The Buildings Department promotes and facilitates the construction and maintenance of such buildings, aiming to make the built environment safe and healthy for the community.

During 2008, work on superstructures started at 105 building sites, involving a total gross floor area of 1.33 million square metres. A total of 753 buildings, with a combined gross floor area of 1.80 million square metres, were completed at a total cost of $23.4 billion compared with 356 buildings, with a gross floor area of 1.71 million square metres, built at a total cost of $21.8 billion, in 2007.

The conversion of existing monuments at the former Marine Police Headquarters in Tsim Sha Tsui into a heritage hotel and shopping complex was completed at the end of the year. Major new construction works in progress at the end of 2008 included phases I and II of the redevelopment of Ocean Park.

Public Sector

The Government develops and maintains all government buildings and public facilities, other than public housing, through the Architectural Services Department. In 2008, 63 projects were completed including the Stanley Waterfront Improvement project, the Centre for Youth Development in Chai Wan, schools, and open space facilities.

In 2008, 51 projects commenced on site, including major ones such as the Tamar Development Project, District Open Space at Po Kong Village Road, the Sun