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The Government announced today (April 30) its decision to develop the Tamar site for the new Central Government Complex (CGC), together with a new Legislative Council (LegCo) building and other compatible community facilities.

"The decision was made taking into account all relevant factors including the operational needs of the Government Secretariat and LegCo, the demand and supply of Grade A offices in the short and medium terms, and the overall planning of the new Central waterfront," a government spokesman said.

The development project will be a long-term solution to the shortage of space for both the Government Secretariat and LegCo. It will also provide a wide range of public facilities including an exhibition gallery, leisure facilities, open space and waterfront promenade for public enjoyment.

"Upon the completion of the project by 2007, the new Tamar will form an integral part of the Civic Corridor, creating a harmonious and coherent character as the prime civic core in Hong Kong," the government spokesman added.

The project will involve a public investment of roughly $6.4 billion and will create about 5 000 jobs. An integrated approach will be adopted in developing the Tamar site, including the CGC, the new LegCo building and public facilities, so that the proposed form, scale and massing of all the developments would blend coherently with the landscape design and setting of the waterfront promenade.

End/Tuesday, April 30, 2002.

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