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The Government today (September 29) invited the four prequalified tenderers to submit tenders for the design-and-build contract of the Tamar Development Project. Commencement of the tender exercise marks a major milestone for the project.
The tender document comprises 15 volumes spanning some 6,000 pages. It spells out the overall design objectives of the project, the conditions of tender, the basis for tender evaluation, and the architectural, structural, building services and planning requirements, etc. The contract is expected to run for 39 months, and the Government aims to complete the project around end of 2010. The deadline for tenders is January 26, 2007.
"In arriving at the final project scope, we have taken into account the aspirations and constructive views of the public and the Legislative Council (LegCo)," a spokesman of the Government said.
The project calls for an aesthetically-pleasing design that blends naturally with the Central cityscape, enhances the appeal and vibrancy of the harbourfront area, and is in harmony with the ridgeline of Hong Kong Island. The design should also convey Hong Kong's position as Asia's world city - dynamic, sophisticated and cosmopolitan, and should be functional, sustainable and environmentally friendly.
"The Government has volunteered to limit the maximum height of the development. We have specified that the height of the Tamar development shall allow for at least a 20% 'building-free zone' below the ridgeline," the spokesman noted.
"To reduce development intensity, the Government has trimmed the scale of the Central Government Complex (CGC) development and the plot ratio of the entire development is expected to be around 5.7, much lower than the comparable plot ratios ranging from around 13 to 18 of the adjacent existing commercial developments," the spokesman said.
The Government is committed to enhancing the environmental friendliness of the project. "We request that tenderers optimise use of renewable resources, sustainable design, green features, advanced building technologies and energy-efficient building services systems for the project," the spokesman said.
To ensure that air ventilation within the project site and its surrounding area will not be adversely affected by the development, tenderers will be required to conduct an Air Ventilation Assessment of their design proposals.
"The CGC and LegCo Complex will be supported with modern IT infrastructure and telecommunications systems that meet present and future needs. For security reasons, pre-casting will not be allowed for concrete structural elements and concrete external walls of the buildings."
"Given the overriding need to safeguard the integrity and fairness of the tender process, the Special Selection Board (SSB) for the Tamar Development Project will be the sole and final authority for assessing and marking tenders and deciding on the award of contract," the spokesman said.
The SSB is chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Rafael Hui. Members are Mrs Rita Fan, Ms Miriam Lau, Professor David Lung, Mr Alan Lai and Mrs Rita Lau.
The Board will assess the tender submissions on the basis of a comprehensive list of criteria. The quality considerations will take up 60% of the overall score. These include the design and aesthetic aspects; planning, sustainability and environmental aspects; and functional and technical aspects, etc. Price considerations will take up the remaining 40%.
"As an exceptional arrangement for this unique project, we will arrange for the public to view the tender design schemes after the close of tenders," the spokesman said. Views collected will be analysed by an independent consultant and presented to the Board for consideration. Details will be announced at a later stage.
As mandated under the World Trade Organization Agreement on Government Procurement, the tender process must be conducted in a fair and non-discriminatory manner. Relevant parties should avoid comments, reports or moves that may prejudice or be perceived as prejudicing the fairness or integrity of the tender process throughout the tender exercise.
The four prequalified tenderers are (in alphabetical order): -
* China State - Leighton - Yau Lee Joint Venture
* DHK - CRCC Tamar Joint Venture
* Gammon - Hip Hing Joint Venture
* Paul Y. - Shui On Joint Venture
The scope of the contract includes the design and construction of the CGC, LegCo Complex as well as an open space, as approved by the Finance Committee of LegCo in June this year. The new buildings will provide the much-needed office space for the government headquarters and LegCo, enhancing their operational efficiency and enabling them to better serve the public. The open space will provide at least two hectares of landscaped amenity space which, together with the future promenade along the Central waterfront, will enhance the area for public enjoyment.
Ends/Friday, September 29, 2006
Issued at HKT 11:30
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