ENG-2012 — Page 246

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Infrastructure Development and Heritage Conservation

Major new construction works in progress as at the end of 2012 included the Science Park Phase 3 and the third themed area, 'Mystic Manor, in Hong Kong Disneyland's expansion, while its second themed area, 'Grizzly Gulch, was completed in 2012.

Public Sector

The Government develops and upkeeps most government buildings and public facilities, other than public housing, through the Architectural Services Department (ArchSD). Forty projects were completed by ArchSD in 2012, including the expansion of Tseung Kwan O Hospital, the Planning and Infrastructure Exhibition Gallery, the new Civil Aviation Department headquarters, the Lam Tin Complex, the North Lantau Hospital (Phase 1), and a crematorium, columbarium and garden of remembrance at Wo Hop Shek.

In 2012, ArchSD commenced construction of 20 projects, including open space, a library, cooked food stalls, offices, a magistracy, and a training school. ArchSD has also been assisting government departments to improve the universal accessibility to over 2,500 government buildings and facilities.

The Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Leisure and Cultural Building and Kwun Tong Promenade (Stage 1) received awards from the Hong Kong Institute of Architects in 2012 in recognition of their architectural excellence. The Siu Sai Wan Complex was granted a Grand Award in the Green Building Award 2012.

Building Safety and Maintenance

Ensuring the safety of Hong Kong's aging buildings continued to be one of the Development Bureau's key areas of work in 2012. To enhance building safety, the Development Bureau, in collaboration with the Buildings Department, has implemented measures covering four major areas: legislation; enforcement; support and assistance to building owners; and publicity and public education.

The Minor Works Control System, which provides building owners with simplified statutory procedures for carrying out small-scale building works, is growing in popularity. In 2012, 66,517 minor works submissions were received as compared with 40,062 in 2011. The Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme and the Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme were fully implemented in June, requiring building owners to inspect and repair their buildings and windows regularly. In July, the Buildings Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2012 was enacted, aiming to deter non-compliance with statutory orders or notices and enabling the Buildings Department to apply to the court for a warrant to enter individual premises for inspection and carrying out enforcement works.

The Government, the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) and the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) continued implementation of 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 assistance and technical advice to carry out repair and maintenance works on their buildings. The Government and the two organisations allotted $3.5 billion to the programme to help repair and maintain

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