ENG-2011 — Page 284

240 | Infrastructure Development and Heritage Conservation

Public Sector

The Government develops and upkeeps most government buildings and public facilities, other than public housing, through the Architectural Services Department (ArchSD). 45 projects were completed by ArchSD in 2011 including the redevelopment of Mong Kok Stadium, conversion of Yau Ma Tei Theatre and Red Brick Building into a Xiqu Activity Centre, a public library cum indoor recreation centre in Tin Shui Wai and notably, the Tamar Development Project which includes the Chief Executive's Offices, the Central Government Offices, the Legislative Council Complex and the Tamar Park.

In 2011, ArchSD commenced the construction of 28 projects of various nature, including district open space, theatres, sports centres, libraries and fire stations.

The Government will continue to develop quality public facilities in a sustainable manner with due consideration on universal accessibility. Since 2011, ArchSD has been assisting government departments to improve the universal accessibility to over 2 700 government buildings and facilities. The Additional Columbarium at Diamond Hill and Siu Sai Wan Complex also received awards from the Hong Kong Institute of Architects in 2011 in recognition of their excellence in architecture.

Building Safety and Maintenance

Ensuring safety in Hong Kong's aging buildings continued to be one of the Development Bureau's key areas of work in 2011. The Development Bureau, in collaboration with the Buildings Department, implemented a new, multi-pronged package of measures to enhance building safety on April 1, 2011. The measures cover four major areas: legislation, enforcement, support and assistance to building owners as well as publicity and public education.

The minor works control system which was launched in December 2010 is operating smoothly. The system provides building owners with simplified statutory procedures for carrying out small-scale building works. The Buildings (Amendment) Bill 2010 governing mandatory inspection of buildings and windows was enacted by the Legislative Council in June 2011. The mandatory requirement will go into operation in 2012 requiring building owners to inspect and repair their buildings. and windows regularly.

The Government, the Hong Kong Housing Society and the Urban Renewal Authority continued implementing the one-off 'Operation Building Bright' programme to create more job opportunities for the building repair and maintenance industry and to improve building safety. Owners of old and dilapidated buildings are given financial help and technical advice to carry out repair and maintenance works on their buildings.

A total of $3.5 billion was allotted by the Government and the two organisations to the programme to help repair and maintain over 3 000 buildings and create more than 60 000 job opportunities in the construction, repair and maintenance industries.