Tamar site to become Hong Kong's civic centre

The Tamar site in Central District will be developed into Hong Kong's civic centre by 2007, featuring a central government building, a Legislative Council complex, as well as an exhibition gallery and a civic place.

The Director of Administration, Mr Andrew Wong, told legislators today (April 4) the move would help to rationalise office accommodation and enhance operational efficiency.

Existing 'out-stationed' government offices will be moved into the complex after its completion providing savings on rental costs for commercial premises. The project will also help create some 3,300 jobs.

Mr Wong said the 20,000-square-metre exhibition gallery would provide a venue to showcase Hong Kong's infrastructure and other developments for the public and visitors.

The major thematic exhibition areas will focus on urban development; transport, logistics and information technology; tourism, as well as sustainable development.

It will also have a children's gallery and learning centre, and a public forum for visitors to exchange views on government town planning and infrastructure.

Mr Wong expected the gallery would attract about 800,000 visitors a year.

The design and construction of the new facilities will cost about $5.9 billion, while the design and fabrication of exhibits in the exhibition gallery will cost some $175 million.

The government will seek funds from the Legislative Council in May before inviting tenders from five pre-qualified bidders.

A special selection board, chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration will assess the tenders and decide on the awarding of the contract.

Other board members include two legislators, two senior government officials and a professor in architecture.

End/Friday, April 04, 2003