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East Wing Forecourt to be temporarily closed for construction works
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     The East Wing Forecourt (the Forecourt) of the Central Government Offices (CGO), Tamar, is closed for construction works from today (July 17) until the end of August this year.

     A spokesman for the Government said, "A perimeter fence along Tim Mei Avenue and the boundary between the Forecourt and the Legislative Council (LegCo) Complex will be erected as a security enhancement measure.

     "A review on the existing security arrangements for CGO has revealed that it is necessary to enhance the overall capacity of the CGO to withstand potential security threats to the building.  Besides, the recent public order events that took place at the LegCo Complex illustrate the need to have appropriate security measures," the spokesman said.

     "This will put the security infrastructure of the East Wing on par with that of the West Wing of the CGO," he added.

     "The Government fully respects the freedom of expression and the right of peaceful assembly," the spokesman said. "Upon erection of the security fence, the public may continue to hold public meetings/processions at the Forecourt during specified hours on Sundays and public holidays subject to prior permission of the Director of Administration. The present procedure for application for permission will continue.  

     "Security at the escalator entrance to the Forecourt from the elevated walkway (on the podium level connecting the second floor of East Wing CGO) and entrances through the perimeter fencing will be strengthened.  Visitors to the CGO and the LegCo Complex will be generally allowed to enter or pass through the Forecourt.

     "Upon erection of the security fence, the Forecourt will be closed from 11pm to 6am on a daily basis to general access, but LegCo Members and personnel holding a valid staff/ media permit issued by CGO or LegCo will be allowed access," added the spokesman.

     During the temporary closure of the Forecourt, public may continue to make use of the designated public activities area on the pavement at Tim Mei Avenue outside the East Wing Forecourt, where they may hold public meetings or submit petition letters to the Government subject to compliance with the relevant provisions under the Public Order Ordinance governing the holding of public meetings/processions.

     During the construction period, pedestrian access through the Forecourt to the LegCo Complex will be closed and the public may use the alternative routes via the Tamar Park or the escalators or elevators connecting the elevated walkway to Harcourt Road and Tim Mei Avenue.  The Public Entrance and the Press Entrance on the ground floor of East Wing CGO will also be temporarily closed.  Members of the public and the press are advised to make use of the Staff Entrance on the second floor of East Wing CGO during this period.

Ends/Thursday, July 17, 2014
Issued at HKT 07:00

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