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Peter Yuen: a date with Tamar (with photos)
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   Tamar, to many people, might be no more than a name, a hot topic in the newspapers. But to me, it means something more, as it has been related to my work and my daily life over the past two decades.

Long, long ago
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     My office at Queensway Government Offices overlooks the Tamar site. I have witnessed the many changes at the site over the past 20 years. I can recall that the site was a British naval base before 1997. At that time, small fighting vessels of the British naval fleet, commonly known as P. T. Boats, were moored there. Sometimes the gun muzzle would point at our offices. One of the more "fung shui" conscious colleagues of mine did not feel at ease, and he bought a terracotta horse to put on the window ledge. In Chinese chess, the "horse" is the nemesis of the "cannon", he said.

Beating retreat
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     The then Tamar site was a closed area to the public. One could only view it from afar.

     Then came June 1997. My colleagues had an urgent and important job, preparing for the staging of the event that marked the end of British rule over Hong Kong - the Beating of the Retreat. We were responsible for setting up temporary spectator stands at the Tamar site. Against a heavy downpour on June 30, the British troops paraded for the last time on the site. I watched the then Governor, a grim-faced Chris Patten, holding the Union Jack, being captured on film by every photographer at the spot. This historic moment was the front page picture of almost every newspaper in town the following day.

In the limelight
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      After the handover in 1997, the naval base was relocated to Stonecutters Island. Planning for the Tamar site, previously a restricted area , commenced in full speed not long afterwards. While plans were being made, the Government let out the site as a temporary carpark. It was also used as the venue for the Hong Kong Harbour Fest, and occasionally was let as a temporary site for carnivals.

      The Government has been working to identify a suitable site for the Legislative Council and Government headquarters since the end of the 1990s. Relevant studies started round about 1998. The need for Legco Members to find a suitable home was most pressing. The LegCo Secretariat and offices of the LegCo Members have, over a number of years, been scattered throughout various locations, including the Central Government Offices (CGO) on Ice House Street and the Citibank Tower, causing much inconvenience. Tamar was identified as a site for development of the new Government headquarters and the Legco complex, and the green light was given by the Executive Council in 2002. At that time, my department wanted to assign someone who could take up the project and oversee it until its completion. Therefore, one of the criteria was that the "assignee" must not retire before the end of the project. I was selected.

      The project went through the usual procedures smoothly, securing Legco Public Works Sub-Committee support in early May 2003. At that time, Hong Kong was still in the grip of SARS. One morning in late May, 2003, I was summoned hurriedly to a meeting in CGO, and learnt that the scheme would be put on hold. So Tamar resumed its role as a carpark or venue for short-term events, until late 2005, when the Chief Executive, Mr. Donald Tsang, announced the relaunch of the development project.

What's in a name?
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      Often, the wrong impression given by a name can breed misunderstanding, which will in turn cause unnecessary bickering. The site derived its name from HMS Tamar, a British vessel, which borrowed its name from the River Tamar near Cornwall in the United Kingdom. In the past, the name left people with the impression of a restricted military zone. Nowadays, the name "Tamar" is often referred to by the media in terms of the development of the new government headquarters, hence the misconception of an enormous site dedicated solely to office buildings, and for the exclusive use of civil servants who would monopolise the magnificent harbour view.  In fact, half of the site has been earmarked for open space. It will be linked to the future promenade, which will provide easy access for members of the public to enjoy the harbourfront.

A people's place
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      I very much look forward to the completion of the project, a leisurely stroll along the paths winding though the idyllic open space and a breathtaking view of the harbour just minutes' walk from city offices. During lunch-time, office workers in the vicinity can grab a sandwich and come here by making use of the connecting footbridges. During holidays, there will be movies, concerts, cultural and arts exhibitions and floral shows. Children will be able to try out their football skills, friends will chat in harbourfront cafes while tourists will take photos with the famous Victoria Harbour as the backdrop.

      At nightfall, people will go to the promenade to enjoy the glittering lights and laser shows in Tsim Sha Tsui on the Kowloon side. They will also be able to enjoy the lights of Tamar from the numerous vantage points in Tsim Sha Tsui across the harbour. This is how the Tamar site will develop, from a restricted-access military site to an area where any man in the street can take in the beautiful harbour scenery.

My "date" with Tamar
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      In other big cities, public office buildings with good planning have often become popular spots frequented by both citizens and tourists alike. The London City Council Headquarters by the River Thames, is one of many examples. The intriguingly-shaped, glazed design, by Sir Norman Foster, is connected with nearby open space accessible by foot. Another example is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings in Shinjuku, which is a popular place for aspiring artists to show off their skills and for tourists to admire the striking architecture.

      The Tamar development project makes a good story, with its many twists and turns. By the time it is completed, I will probably have reached retirement age. I am sure I will frequently visit Tamar, with my family, friends or ex-colleagues to sip a cup of tea, stroll along the harbourfront, and reminisce.

      I often look back on the trials and tribulations we encountered in building the new airport at Chek Lap Kok. I was involved in the construction of the government facilities that supported the airport. It too had its critics, but we now have one of the best airports in the world. Surely no one today would doubt that the right decision was made then.

Ends/Sunday, June 11, 2006
Issued at HKT 14:05

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