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    In response to media enquiries on whether approval has been given to the Trade Development Council (TDC)'s proposal to expand the atrium link between Phases I and II of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), a Government spokesman explains as follows:

    "The Government supports the TDC to take forward the proposed project. The proposal, which will provide 19,400 square metres of additional exhibition space, helps enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness as a major convention and exhibition centre in Asia. However, the proposal still needs to go through the due process and the required approval for implementation.

    Although the Government has given policy support to the proposal, the TDC has to seek approval from the Town Planning Board (TPB) and to comply with the relevant statutory regulations and requirements.

    According to the provisions of the amended Town Planning Ordinance, the planning application will be published for public inspection and comments. The TPB will take into account the comments and views received in considering the application.

    The TDC has presented the proposal to the Harbour-front Enhancement Committee (HEC) in January and will continue to maintain a dialogue with the HEC and its Sub-committee on Wan Chai Development Phase II Review.

    The Atrium Link Extension as proposed should not constitute reclamation works for the purpose of the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance. However, in carrying out some of the engineering works, the TDC has to comply with the relevant stipulations under the Foreshore and Sea-Bed (Reclamations) Ordinance and for project implementation, it will have to comply with all related legal requirements."

Ends/Saturday, June 18, 2005

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