4/1

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/0401/IMG_5707.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/0401/IMG_5725.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/0401/IMG_5726.jpg

New Legco gets zones for protest
The Standard
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Three protest zones have been carved out in the new Legislative Council complex on the Tamar site.

The legislature will move to its new home in September, about four months after the Tamar development project is completed and in time for the start of the new legislative year in October.

Protests may be held in two squares, Legco square proper and a covered one next to the chamber, with the third outside the complaints division, said secretary general Pauline Ng Man-wah.

"The zones are for demonstrations and public gatherings," Ng told development panel legislators.

"The one outside the complaints division can be used by the public when conference rooms of the division are fully occupied."

The Legislative Council Commission, a statutory body providing administrative support and services to the council, will discuss new security arrangements in May, Ng added.

This includes purchasing new iron barriers to be placed at the zones.

Protesters are currently allowed into an open space between the Legco building and Statue Square.

Federation of Trade Unions lawmaker Wong Kwok-hing hopes clear guidelines will be mapped on law enforcement at the new public areas.

Wong Yung-kan, who represents the agriculture and fisheries sector, sought legal clarification on the implications if protests result in damage to property, such as artworks.

Legco legal adviser Jimmy Ma Yiu- tim said the usual practice is for protesters to be arrested and charged with criminal damage.

The Tamar project, which started in January 2008, will finish with the erection of the Legco complex, the SAR government headquarters complex, an open space, two covered pedestrian footbridges and other facilities.

The new Legco complex comprises a council block, an office block and open spaces - a square and a garden.

There will be new communal and education facilities in the council block, including a souvenir shop, a library and a viewing gallery and education rooms.

This can be a money maker for the govt.

New LegCo Protest Zones - now available at only HK$400,000 per day!

A timely reminder on Legco's new home
4 May 2011
The Standard

Construction work in the new Legislative Council complex on the Tamar site is on schedule despite earlier doubts, the government said yesterday.

Legislative Council president Jasper Tsang Yok-sing had earlier indicated that, after checking progress in February, there was a possibility the legislature would not be able to move into its new home in September.

Speaking at a tea reception yesterday, Tsang said: ``We will not compromise and lower our standards for a reliable, safe chamber if we do not have enough time to do our preparation work.'' He added: ``They should not press us to have meetings [in Tamar] in October [this year].''

Tsang said Legco's information technology staff need about six months to prepare and install systems as well as debug equipment.

He said that, after Legco expressed concerns in February, the contractor agreed to speed up construction and ``after a tense March'' the computer room was ready in April.

The next schedule calls for the delivery of the chamber, which is unique in design, to the Legco secretariat in July.

Tsang said unless things fall behind schedule again, the council could hold its meetings for the new Legco year at the Tamar complex from October. ``My office should be moved to Tamar in early September,'' Tsang said.

Only one of the four areas proposed for the display of artworks by local artists will be completed in time.

However, this issue can be left for the next term of legislative councillors to decide, he said.

The new Legco building is next to the government's headquarters, which has adopted a ``door always open'' concept to represent the government's openness and to symbolize the relationship between the executive and the legislature.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen has expressed eagerness to have all departments in the current government headquarters and Legco to be moved to the new location before his term ends in 2012.

A spokesman of the Administration Wing said the progress at Tamar complex ``more or less'' matches the schedule and work is expected to be completed by the middle of this year.

Will the complex participate in the Symphony of Lights?

Will the complex participate in the Symphony of Lights?

Not sure yet. Perhaps it hasn't been announced.

Walkways to new Tamar offices not so convenient
Footbridges to government headquarters don't connect directly with Admiralty Centre
9 May 2011
South China Morning Post

It may have been designed to represent a welcoming entrance but the public walkways between the new government headquarters at Tamar and Central and Admiralty differ sharply from those in the original plan.

The design by Hong Kong architect Rocco Yim Sen-kee - which he dubbed "The Door" to symbolise government openness - included four footbridges across the busy roads that block pedestrians from the towering arch-shaped building.

But the bridges have been reduced to two and the access is less direct.

Under Yim's contest-winning design, three pedestrian connections would have stretched across the six-lane Harcourt Road linked to the Far East Finance Centre, Admiralty Centre and Harcourt Garden.

Another would have crossed Tim Mei Avenue to Citic Tower.

All were to have connected directly to the buildings at each end to provide all-weather access and convenience for the disabled.

The two to Harcourt Garden and the Far East Finance Centre have since been discarded.

While the bridge to Citic Tower is still a direct link, the one to Admiralty Centre has been split in two and ends in Harcourt Road, instead of entering the shop and office building that is linked by a pedestrian network to other offices and shopping malls along Queensway.

"We are concerned about the impact of a sudden increase in pedestrian flow in the areas," Central and Western District Council vice-chairman Chan Chit-kwai said.

"We did hope the linkage would be direct and barrier-free." The HK$5.5 billion project was awarded to a joint venture of Gammon and Hip Hing.

A government spokeswoman said the missing connections were not included in the tender as they involved technical problems and their marginal benefits did not justify the cost incurred.

For example, a direct link to the Admiralty Centre, managed by the MTR Corporation, would involve substantial cost and time as the centre had more than 500 individual owners.

It would also cause disturbance to the centre's users and worsen congestion at peak hours, she said, adding that the present arrangement was better as it provided easy access to the MTR station and nearby transport interchange.

Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design president Bernard Lim Wan-fung asked why the government, as the major shareholder in the MTRC, could not negotiate a better link with the Admiralty Centre.

"The developer does not want to sacrifice shop areas for the bridge of course but the current design is unsatisfactory," he said.

Lim partly blamed the "design-and-build" model adopted for the project for the reduced accessibility. He said the model, led by the contractor instead of the architect, was budget-oriented and unsuitable for large projects requiring flexible arrangements and updated technology.

"The contractor will only comply with the tender specifications. It has no incentive to think about planning in a holistic way," he said, adding the model allowed little monitoring by lawmakers as they were required to approve the budget in one go.

Pedestrian access is important for the site, cut off to the south by Harcourt Road and to the north by a bypass, another six-lane road, limiting access to cars and taxis.

While an MTR station will be built to the north of the site as part of the North Island Line, this will not happen until 2016 at the earliest.

Town Planning Board members expressed concern over the heavy reliance on one crossing over Harcourt Road when they approved a design four years ago. They said pedestrian flow for the walkway across the road would be substantial, urging the government to consider spreading the flow at the detailed design stage to avoid overloading the walkway.

But the Planning Department said building a subway connection would require partial closure of Harcourt Road and would delay the headquarters project.

5/30

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/0530/IMG_0347.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/0530/IMG_0348.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/0530/IMG_0357.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/0530/IMG_0402.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/0530/IMG_0400.jpg

20/6

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AAUnisdJAnM/Tf8vGUtOKUI/AAAAAAAAAB0/uHOae7mGkz8/s288/P1020248.JPG


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BHMqNul7Ovo/Tf8wlmF6V_I/AAAAAAAAACE/dvQZeWEfmaI/s288/P1020250.JPG



https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gLh3PWAEugg/Tf8v3EVVBdI/AAAAAAAAACA/W4LQundGKps/s288/P1020251.JPG

20/6

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AAUnisdJAnM/Tf8vGUtOKUI/AAAAAAAAAB0/uHOae7mGkz8/s288/P1020248.JPG


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BHMqNul7Ovo/Tf8wlmF6V_I/AAAAAAAAACE/dvQZeWEfmaI/s288/P1020250.JPG



https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gLh3PWAEugg/Tf8v3EVVBdI/AAAAAAAAACA/W4LQundGKps/s288/P1020251.JPG

^^^^
What is this?

^^^^
What is this?

Landscaped garden?

1. C
2. A
3. D
4. B

20/6
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gLh3PWAEugg/Tf8v3EVVBdI/AAAAAAAAACA/W4LQundGKps/s288/P1020251.JPG

^^^^
What is this?

Landscaped garden?

http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment02-600.jpg

The open green under the building as seen in the rendering.

When is the expected completion date of the works around the building/when will people be able to access the public space here and around the waterfront park?

When is the expected completion date of the works around the building/when will people be able to access the public space here and around the waterfront park?

I believe next year.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y181/Genuine007/UC/110618_056s.jpg
__________________
Buildings that don't get posted often (HK) Part I (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=211362) or here ( http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=209576) | Part II (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=212436) or here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=212435) | Part III (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=316338) | Part IV (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=366314) | Part V (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=13282175)
Artistic decorations inside and outside of the buildings (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=319077)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y181/Genuine007/UC/110625_046s.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y181/Genuine007/UC/110625_046-2s.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y181/Genuine007/UC/110705_009s.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y181/Genuine007/UC/110705_011ps.jpg
__________________
Buildings that don't get posted often (HK) Part I (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=211362) or here ( http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=209576) | Part II (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=212436) or here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=212435) | Part III (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=316338) | Part IV (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=366314) | Part V (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=13282175)
Artistic decorations inside and outside of the buildings (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=319077)

LCQ19: Management of public records
Government Press Release Excerpt

Following is a question by the Hon Miriam Lau Kin-yee and a written reply by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, in the Legislative Council today (July 13):

Question:

With a view to improving the administrative arrangements for management of public records, the Government introduced a set of mandatory records management requirements (the requirements) in April 2009 for compliance by policy bureaux and government departments (B/Ds). However, criticisms from the public remain that this is insufficient to ensure that government records are properly managed and disposed of. There are still calls from the community for introduction of an archival law or public records law in Hong Kong. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(d) in view of the relocation of the offices at the Central Government Offices to Tamar in September this year, what measures will be taken to ensure that government records will not be misplaced or disposed of improperly during the removal process; whether an inventory of all the record series will be taken to identify which records will be moved, as well as which records will be otherwise dealt with, etc.;

Reply:

President,

(d) As with other relocation exercises, bureaux and offices (B/Os) which will move to the new Central Government Offices (CGO) at Tamar are required to put in place appropriate arrangements to ensure the safe custody of records and to safeguard against loss of records during relocation of their records to the new CGO. To assist the B/Os concerned in this task, GRS briefed the relevant B/Os in April 2010 on issues such as the mandatory records management requirements. Guidelines on bulk relocation of government records have also been issued to the concerned B/Os in 2011 providing detailed advice on the procedures they should adopt for the relocation exercise. Specifically, B/Os have been reminded to update their record inventory prior to the relocation, ensure that their records are properly handled and under safe custody before, during and after the relocation, and seek GRS Director's prior agreement before they destroy any records. GRS will continue to give advice to the B/Os concerned as necessary in this regard.

LegCo bids farewell to LegCo Building
Monday, July 18, 2011
Government Press Release

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

The Legislative Council (LegCo) held a function today (July 18) to bid farewell to the LegCo Building. Over 150 incumbent and former LegCo Members attended the function and witnessed the unearthing of the Time Capsule placed underneath the LegCo Carpark. President of the LegCo, Mr Jasper Tsang, said he hoped the LegCo would be able to move to the new LegCo Complex during this summer.

Speaking at the unearthing ceremony of the Time Capsule, Mr Tsang said, "Today features a historical moment in which incumbent and former LegCo Members and key staff of the Secretariat of different generations get together before the LegCo Building is handed back to the Government."

He added that there were totally 9 393 days spent in the LegCo Building between its official opening on October 30, 1985 and today. A total of 522 oaths or affirmations have been made by Members in the Building. Moreover, 947 Council meetings have been held and nearly 1 600 bills have been passed in the Council Chamber.

Guests attending the function included incumbent LegCo Members; former LegCo Presidents, Mr Andrew Wong and Mrs Rita Fan; former Senior LegCo Member, Mr Allen Lee, former unofficial Members; current and former senior staff of the LegCo Secretariat and LegCo Beat reporters.

Guests attended a reception on the first floor of the LegCo Building and took photos in the Chamber, Ante-Chamber and other Conference Rooms. The Public Officers' Room was also opened for the first time for the visitors. Members of different LegCo terms gathered around and reminisced about those happy and memorable moments in the LegCo Building. All the incumbent and former Members then took a group photo inside the Chamber.

The LegCo also took the opportunity to unearth the Time Capsule placed underneath the LegCo Carpark on June 23, 1997. The Time Capsule contains over 50 pieces of mementos of the then LegCo Members. Former LegCo President, Mr Andrew Wong, and former LegCo House Committee Chairman, Dr Leong Che-hung, who at that time undertook to place the Time Capsule underneath the LegCo Carpark, unearthed the Time Capsule and handed it over to the current LegCo President, Mr Jasper Tsang, and LegCo House Committee Chairman, Ms Miriam Lau.

The items inside the Time Capsule (full list of the items was attached) were taken out and passed on to those former Members who put them inside the Capsule. The items were then given to the staff of the LegCo Archive for preservation. Some of the items will be displayed in the Archive of the new LegCo Complex.

Later in the evening, about 140 incumbent and former Members participated in a farewell banquet held in the Dining Hall of the LegCo Building. During the banquet, a video on the change of the Legislature over the years was shown for Members to relive the unforgettable moments in the LegCo Building. Former LegCo Member, Mr Martin Barrow, also presented an oil painting of the LegCo Chamber as a souvenir to the Council.

The construction of the LegCo Building started in 1900 and took 12 years to complete. Formerly housed the Supreme Court of Hong Kong, the Building had almost 100 years of history since its commencement of operation in 1912. The exterior of the Building was declared a monument in 1984, protected legally under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance. It became the home of the Legislature since 1985.

What is the "20% building free zone" you can see on those renders?

What is the "20% building free zone" you can see on those renders?

The site is still closed to the public - will need to wait for the works to complete to see for myself. The whole section bordering the waterfront reclamation will not likely be accessible for a while even after the legislature reconvenes there.

Legco chief warns of delay in Tamar switch
The Standard
Thursday, July 21, 2011

Lawmakers may have to remain for another year in their 99-year-old Central building if "major problems" at the Tamar site cannot be resolved in time, Legislative Council president Jasper Tsang Yok-sing said yesterday.

Speaking at a briefing marking the end of the legislative year, Tsang said the problem stems from "unsatisfactory" access to the new Legco complex from the Admiralty MTR station.

As it stands, questions of public safety are raised, he said, should 6,000 protesters converge, through a pedestrian bridge, on the complex through a long escalator that offers the only access.

Other concerns include defective fittings such as water leaking into the conference rooms.

Tsang's warning came a day after he and some lawmakers inspected work progress at Tamar.

He said the legislature will decide next week on whether to move to Tamar on schedule after inspecting the structure with the contractor and considering the improvement proposals suggested by the government.

Tsang had warned as far back as February, after checking progress, that there was a distinct possibility the legislature would not be able to move into its new home in time for the first meeting of the next legislative year on October 12, when Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen is due to deliver his final policy address.

He said delaying the relocation will result in a waste of security resources already deployed at the new premises and affect the government's plan to house the Court of Final Appeal in the current building, completed in 1912.

Reviewing his work as Legco president for the past three years, Tsang said despite trying to improve public understanding of the legislative process, he has been unable to raise appreciation for the legislature.

However, he believes the popularity of Legco and the government are intertwined, saying "Legco's popularity ratings will be dragged down should the government fail to meet public expectations."

He said he does not agree with suggestions that relations between the executive and legislative branches have worsened as lawmakers are merely reflecting public views in blocking several government bills.

The government should learn from its mistakes and better gauge public sentiment before putting forward controversial bills. In the past legislative year, 23 of 27 bills introduced by the government were passed by the council, 18 with amendments.

7/17

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/0717/IMG_0230.jpg

The site is still closed to the public - will need to wait for the works to complete to see for myself. The whole section bordering the waterfront reclamation will not likely be accessible for a while even after the legislature reconvenes there.

I meant this line on the render :):
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen7.jpg
Is this some sort of height restriction?

I meant this line on the render :):
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen7.jpg
Is this some sort of height restriction?

Correct, that's the height limit, 80% of the peak behind it.
See that white "20% Building Free Zone" legend on the far right between BoC and Cheung Kong Centre??

Besides, if the government tried to build a supertall by the harbour, it'll likely cause a public uproar. 2 IFC is probably the last waterfront supertall on the island.

Besides, if the government tried to build a supertall by the harbour, it'll likely cause a public uproar. 2 IFC is probably the last waterfront supertall on the island.

It is prohibited by law already. Town planning will not approve anything new higher than that.

^^
Thanks for clearing that up.

It doesn't make sense to build really tall on the other sides of the island, right? As far as I know the other parts are mostly residential. So does that mean the really tall ones will come from Kowloon in the future? Or is there a chance they will cluster the big ones. The image already shows a '20% building free zone'

It doesn't make sense to build really tall on the other sides of the island, right? As far as I know the other parts are mostly residential. So does that mean the really tall ones will come from Kowloon in the future? Or is there a chance they will cluster the big ones. The image already shows a '20% building free zone'

There are numbers of super tall planned, in construction, and constructed in Kowloon already. The famous one would be ICC and the residential towers next to it. There is also the New World Centre that is under construction, and a planned building near Harbour City.

Let's see how Hopewell II goes ... that's probably the next big one ...

Aside from Hopewell II are there anymore skyscrapers on the HK side that was pre-approved before the 20% limit?

Moving time at Tamar
The Standard
Monday, August 01, 2011

The government starts moving into its new headquarters at Tamar in six phases from today.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen visited the site yesterday along with his wife Salina Tsang Pow Siu-mei and spent about 30 minutes checking the progress of his new office. Tsang is expected to move in later this month.

The commerce, industry and tourism branch of the Commercial and Economic Development Bureau will be the first to move in as its lease at One Pacific Place expires early next month. The branch - with its 120 staff - will be located on the 22nd and 23rd floors of the West Wing.

Builders are working 18-hour days, between 6am and midnight, to complete the job.

Chairman of the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees' General Union, Chow Luen-kiu, said he understands from workers that conditions have improved.

Media coverage has raised concerns over whether the health of workers was being compromised in an attempt to complete the work in time for Tsang to deliver his final policy address at the new Legislative Council in October.

More ventilation systems and fans have been installed and workers reminded they are not forced to work overtime, though many are willing to work long hours, Chow said.

It is understood that air conditioning and electric wiring in certain floors have yet to be completed.

"It is not the workers' responsibility whether the work can be completed on time," Chow said. "If you want to speed it up, it can be done. The workers are capable of doing it. But whether it is worth it, is another matter."

The Legislative Council Commission voiced its concern over the slow progress of the new Legco complex after a second site visit last week.

Some lawmakers said they will not move in unless all construction is finished.

A meeting in the middle of this month will be held to decide whether the move to the new complex will take place as scheduled.

Aside from Hopewell II are there anymore skyscrapers on the HK side that was pre-approved before the 20% limit?

Can't think of any other project off the top of my head.

Flag-raising marks the move to Tamar
The Standard
Tuesday, August 02, 2011

http://the-sun.on.cc/cnt/news/20110801/photo/0801-00407-030b2.jpg

The first batch of officials have moved into the government's new HK$5 billion headquarters at Tamar.

A flag-raising ceremony was held yesterday morning to mark the event with staff from the Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau having the honor of being first in.

Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Andrew Wong Ho-yuen said he is pleased his staff of 100 were the first into the new building and believes they will quickly adapt to the new environment.

"My colleagues are happy to be the first to move into the new complex with its modern facilities. I believe they will enjoy working here," he said.

Wong said amenities seem to be working properly and while construction work continues in other parts of the complex, his staff are able to access the building through a footbridge.

He said he understands there may be some hiccups but there are no safety issues at present.

The office, which is now on the 23rd floor of the West Wing of the new complex, was formerly at Pacific Place.

An employee, who did not reveal her name, said the new environment is good and the office is well equipped.

"It is much better than our previous office. And there is little noise from the continuing construction work," she said.

About 120 civil servants in total have moved to the Tamar complex, a waterfront office tower in Admiralty.

Other government departments are expected to move in before the end of this year. Work began on the complex in February 2008. The offices can accommodate about 3,200 staff.

The new headquarters is under the Tamar Development Project, which includes the Legislative Council Complex. About half of the Tamar site will be dedicated to public open space where community events can be held.

7/23

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/0723/IMG_0423.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/0723/IMG_0428.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/0723/IMG_0469.jpg

Table set for Tsang office move
The Standard
Monday, August 08, 2011

The new Government Headquarters at Tamar was a busy site at the weekend, with movers completing the relocation of the Chief Executive's Office.

It's bound to be busier from today, when the 100-strong staff settle in.

The office, on the third floor, is the second to set up at the Admiralty site. The first was the Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, however, won't be working there until Thursday - after his holiday.

It's great to see this project approaching completion. :)

Tsang staff make the move to Tamar
The Standard
Tuesday, August 09, 2011

The new government headquarters at Tamar continues to fill up - with the Chief Executive's Office moving in over the weekend.

It is the second administrative office to relocate to the HK$5 billion complex and follows the Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau that moved in last Monday.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen is on holiday but will be back at work on Thursday. The 100-strong staff from his office occupy the third floor.

Chief Executive's Office director Raymond Tam Chi-yuen assured the public there will be sufficient room for protesters and the media at the new building.

Tam said when Executive Council meetings take place on Tuesday mornings, protesters may make their voices heard on both sides of the main entrance while, at the same time, providing councillors space to enter the building. Exco meetings will resume next month.

"Each and every Executive Council member passing through the main entrance will have sufficient opportunities to hear what the people have to say and to receive petitions, and this arrangement is no different from what we have been doing on Tuesdays," he said.

Tam also said the new headquarters provides more space and facilities for staff.

Construction of the new building began in February 2008. It can accommodate around 3,200 staff. Other government departments are expected to move in before the end of the year.

Around half the Tamar site is set to become public open space where community events can be held.

High life lands at CITIC Tower
The Standard
Monday, August 15, 2011

The Admiralty area is buzzing as staff start to move into the new government headquarters, and commercial buildings and shops there will benefit from an increase in the flow of customers.

The most notable beneficiary will be CITIC Tower, which will become the main access route to the new Legislative Council chamber, as lawmakers want to have a separate entrance to signify their independent status.

No wonder landlord CITIC Pacific is renovating the premises and restructuring tenancies in preparation.

When the HMS Tamar naval base was returned to the Hong Kong government in 1997, CITIC Pacific acquired part of it to build CITIC Tower, its headquarters.

However, the Asian financial turmoil hit development of the surrounding area, and CITIC Tower stands as a lone giant.

Also waiting to achieve its full potential is the Victoria City Restaurant inside, set up by famous chef Chung Kam with the backing of then CITIC group head Larry Yung Chi-kin, with the target of turning it into a "canteen for the rich and famous."

The restaurant has some frequent customers among top officials, such as Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau Tang-wah, but dinner business has just been average.

Years ago, CITIC Pacific and Swire had planned to join hands to transform Admiralty into an extension of Central.

Now with the completion of the government headquarters, that ambition is finally one step closer, and the CITIC Tower will no longer be an island.

The site on which CITIC Tower stands was acquired at less than HK$10,000 a square foot, and rental return has been reasonable, albeit falling short of the rental levels in Central.

After many less than fruitful years, CITIC Tower is finally heading for a breakthrough.

The lesson: so long as you have holding power, investing in real estate is always a winner in Hong Kong. Siu Sai-wo is chief editor of Sing Tao Daily

Fine-tuning Tamar move to take a bit longer
The Standard
Thursday, August 11, 2011

The Legislative Council's move to its new home seems close at hand though work at the Tamar site had yet to be completed by yesterday's planned date.

Legislative Council Commission members will visit the site next Thursday to decide on whether or not to move in.

However, the Administration Wing said yesterday that testing of facilities in the main conference rooms is complete and they may be handed over for fine-tuning the system.

It also said installation of facilities in the Legco chamber is complete and in the final stages of testing.

It invited the Legco Secretariat to conduct testing while the final work is being carried out to allow more time for the finishing touches.

Last night, the secretariat said the main contractor of the Legislative Council complex has "largely completed" the installation of electronic systems in various meeting facilities.

Secretary general Pauline Ng Man- wah and others will receive an on-site briefing on the latest position today.

Legco Commission chair and Liberal Party lawmaker Miriam Lau Kin-yee said a decision on whether the relocation can take place as planned will only be made after next week's site visit.

Democratic Party lawmaker and commission member Fred Li Wah-ming said the move could take place in stages if the complex is still incomplete, noting that the old building would not have been "able to cope with" an expanded Legco.

I prefer design C.

Electronics key to Tamar move
The Standard
Friday, August 19, 2011

Lawmakers have agreed to move into the new Legislative Council building at Tamar - on condition that electronic devices pass the test within three weeks.

Speaking after a Legco Commission meeting, deputy chairwoman Miriam Lau Kin-yee said construction at Tamar is almost complete, apart from minor fine-tuning of lighting and ventilation.

On Wednesday, the Legco Secretariat began testing electronic devices in the new chamber, such as the voting system, notice board, computers, sound system and internet.

If these pass the test over the next three weeks, lawmakers will begin to move in by the middle of next month.

That would mean a move as scheduled, despite the deadline for the contractor being extended several times from the original end of July.

Lau said yesterday the contractor will likely put the finishing touches on August 29. However, commission member Cyd Ho Sau-lan of Civic Act-up said some devices have yet to be installed.

Electronic devices in the chamber are important to ensure Legco meetings can proceed properly.

If the devices fail the test, the commission has a contingency plan in place, but Lau declined to go into details.

The committee will meet on August 31 to discuss public transport to the new building and protest-area arrangements.

8/6

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/0806/IMG_5769.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/0806/IMG_5792.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/0806/IMG_5871.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/0806/IMG_5917.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/0806/IMG_5918.jpg

Public access to Tamar further enhanced
Friday, September 30, 2011
Government Press Release

With the opening of Legislative Council Road on September 28, vehicles may now have more convenient access to the Legislative Complex.

A spokesman for the Transport Department (TD) said today (September 30) that the new road together with the section of Lung Wo Road completed in August would provide a more direct and convenient route towards the Central and Western District. This helps to improve the traffic situation in the Tamar area.

The spokesman said that as a further enhancement to the public transport services for Tamar, the TD would provide a new bus stop at Lung Wui Road directly opposite to Tamar on October 3 with initially, two bus routes, i.e. route 373A (Wah Ming - Wan Chai (HKCEC)) and route 914X (Hoi Lai Estate - Tin Hau, Causeway Bay) diverted to observe this new bus stop.

"In the coming few weeks, the TD will arrange route 18 (Kennedy Town - North Point) to observe the new bus stop and provide another new bus stop at Tim Mei Avenue, opposite to Tamar, for passengers wishing to take route 720A (Sai Wan Ho - Admiralty) (Circular).”

"The TD will continue to examine the feasibility of diverting more franchised bus routes from various districts to call at these new bus stops, having regard to the outcome of further local consultations and impact on traffic condition and passenger journey time," said the spokesman.

At present, Tamar is well served with a variety of public transport services facilitating public transport passengers from various districts in Hong Kong. These include MTR, about 100 franchised bus routes and seven green minibus routes with stops at Admiralty Public Transport Interchange and on both sides of Harcourt Road. They are within minutes of walking distance from Tamar.

Also, a new taxi stand has been set up on Lung Wui Road, outside CITIC Tower.

Moreover, barrier-free pedestrian access routes are currently available linking up Tamar with Admiralty. Signages at appropriate locations along the routes are already in place to guide the pedestrian.

Nevertheless, the TD will continue to monitor the situation closely for further enhancement if necessary.

Worker critical after electric shock at new Legco site
The Standard
Wednesday, October 12, 2011

A worker is in a critical condition after being electrocuted while fixing an entrance light at the new Legislative Council complex, where Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen will deliver his last policy address today.

Lai Yiu-hon, 28, along with a colleague and their supervisor from Tamar contractor Gammon-Hip Hing, were fixing an emergency exit light in the basement car park about 2pm when Lai, who was on a ladder, cried out before falling.

Legco secretary general Pauline Ng Man-wah denied the accident was the result of workers coming under pressure to complete all work as soon as possible.

Ng said the light had to be fixed as it came under the Fire Services Ordinance. "The repair work was necessary," she said, adding that power supply to some car park facilities were turned off to ensure safety during the repairs.

Ng said Legco staff have gone to the hospital to offer help to Lai's family.

When ambulance staff arrived, Lai was in a coma and is now in intensive care at Ruttonjee Hospital in Wan Chai.

The Electrical and Mechanical Services and Labour departments as well as the contractor are investigating. Police have listed it as an industrial accident.

Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims chief Chan Kam- hong said the incident reflects a need to strengthen workplace safety.

10/31

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2485.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2484.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2490.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2499.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2501.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2502.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2506.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2509.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2515.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2528.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2533.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2534.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2536.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2535.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2537.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2543.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2547.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2551.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2556.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2557.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2565.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2566.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2572.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2595.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2587.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2611.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2610.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2613.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2632.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2634.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2633.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2642.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1031/IMG_2651.jpg

Falling roof hits guard at Tamar
The Standard
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

A security guard was slightly injured early yesterday when a piece of aluminum roofing fell on his head in the East Wing of the new Government Headquarters at Tamar.

The 61-year-old man, surnamed Ma, was on overnight duty when he was struck by the metal measuring 50 centimeters by 50cm.

Ma complained of feeling dizzy and was sent to Queen Mary Hospital, where he was treated and discharged.

In a separate incident, 46-year-old worker Lau Sai-fong was in serious condition last night after being knocked unconscious by a bucket of cement.

Lau was helping hoist cement to workers at a Kowloon Tong building which is being refurbished.

Around 9am, as she was raising the bucket to between the eighth and ninth floors of Block 15, Beacon Hill Road, it struck the scaffolding, slipped its hook and fell on her head.

Meanwhile, two female pedestrians were injured last night when a gas explosion sent an air-conditioner, a window frame and broken glass hurtling from a building on Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok.

The flat's occupant, 45-year-old Lee Shang, suffered a leg injury.

The gas stove was newly installed and exploded when he turned it on. The Fire Services Department is now investigating the cause of the accident.

12/2

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2011/1202/IMG_1372.jpg

Toilet linked to Suen illness
The Standard
Thursday, December 29, 2011

Education chief Michael Suen Ming-yeung, who is suffering from Legionnaires' disease, may have contracted it in his private washroom at the new Tamar government headquarters.

Centre for Health Protection controller Thomas Tsang Ho-fai said four water samples taken from the toilet tested positive for the Legionella bacteria.

But another sample taken from the building's water tank was negative.

Tsang said the findings are preliminary and that final results are expected in about two weeks.

Confirmation that Legionella bacteria was found on the 11th floor adds to the problems experienced by the new SAR government headquarters' East Wing, which include cost overruns, behind- schedule construction and complaints by users of substandard interior work.

Tsang tried to ease the fears of other users of the building by emphasizing that the center has not received any new reports of legionnaires' disease.

"Those who become infected are usually elderly, smokers or those with chronic diseases," Tsang said. "They can be healed with little after-effects."

The bacteria was not found in water or other samples taken from Suen's home, Tsang added.

The center has suggested installing special water filters and antiseptic dispensers in the new government headquarters. As a precautionary step, the center and the departments of electrical and mechanical services, water supplies and architectural services have collected more water samples from the building for further tests.

"The center has advised the building management on appropriate follow-up actions, including disinfection and risk- mitigation measures," Tsang said.

Suen, 67, is suffering from chronic kidney failure and needs dialysis on a daily basis. He was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on December 19 after contracting pneumonia.

Suen was in intensive care for a few days but his condition is now stable. His leave has been extended to January 3.

Ho Pak-leung, director of microbiology at the University of Hong Kong, said it is "rather bad" for Legionella to be found in a new building.

"It's supposed to be a modern building. It's not good to find the bacteria here, as it is usually found in old buildings with poor maintenance," Ho said. "The building's design may be a reason."

Ho said the water supply system should be checked to see whether it is the source of infection.

Tamar bug put down to tepid water flow
The Standard
Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Poor water flow and tepid water contributed to growth of Legionella bacteria in the new Tamar government headquarters, an infectious diseases expert says.

University of Hong Kong professor of microbiology Yuen Kwok-yung, who was asked to investigate the outbreak, talked about his findings yesterday, and Secretary for Food and Health York Chow Yat-ngok declared the complex's water system is safe.

Authorities have been taking samples in Tamar since Legionnaires' disease struck down Secretary for Education Michael Suen Ming-yeung last month.

Yuen said the inner surfaces of water pipes might have been contaminated by bacteria from soil and water particles.

Usually the growth of bacteria is kept in check as a matter of course by the water supply system.

"But unfortunately when the water flow in the Tamar government complex is low, the bacteria will multiply," he said. "They may breed - especially when the water temperature is not over 60 degrees Celsius to kill the bacteria."

With the water kept in a range between 40 and 45 degrees, the bacteria are getting the "best temperatures to multiply," Yuen said.

"We want to prevent this happening so you have to start with the water flow and water heater to minimize the chance of infection," he said.

The bacteria can get into people's lungs when they are brushing their teeth or rinsing their mouths.

Chow said tests found only one in 227 water samples was positive for Legionella, at a very low concentration of 0.128 bacteria in one milliliter.

"You compare that with Queen Mary Hospital, where nine out of 22 water samples tested positive and in a higher concentration of bacteria, showing 0.58 to 75 bacteria in one milliliter. So you can see that the water system in Tamar is very acceptable. It is safer than any other place in Hong Kong," Chow said.

Director of Architectural Services Leung Koon- kee said his department cannot find anything wrong with the complex's design or construction. It is preparing a reminder about more frequent flow of water and setting water heaters at 60 degrees.

Final laboratory results released yesterday of water samples taken before cleansing and disinfection showed five tested positive for the bacteria.

Meanwhile, Suen's first day back from his sick leave was marred by an incident in which a guard was injured after he stopped photographers from getting close to Suen, who refused to reply to questions.

Promise of full media play at Tamar offices
The Standard
Thursday, January 12, 2012

Chief Secretary Stephen Lam Sui- lung has vowed to help journalists at the new Central Government Complex in Tamar after reporters were held off by security guards and claims of manhandling.

"The government is totally committed to safeguarding press freedom under the Basic Law as it is one of the core values that contribute to Hong Kong's success as an international city," Lam said.

He put the earlier incidents down to miscommunication between the Administration Wing and security staff.

"The Administration Wing has already expressed its apologies in this regard. We guarantee these standing arrangements will continue," said Lam, adding that security staff have been briefed on how to accommodate the media.

On Monday, a photographer was reportedly pushed out of the way by a security guard when he wanted to snap education chief Michael Suen Ming-yeung as he returned to work after a bout of Legionnaires' disease.

Though the bacteria involved was found in the washrooms of several officials, the government says the complex is now safe.

Tamar is safe claims health chief
The Standard
Thursday, January 05, 2012

Health chief York Chow Yat-ngok called for calm after shock discoveries in the new government headquarters of the Legionnaires' disease bacteria.

The situation was by last night under control after a big sterilization effort, Chow claimed.

The secretary for food and health said more than 1,000 water outlets, tanks and pipes have been treated according to international standards.

The measures covered both the East and West wings of the 27-story Tamar complex - opened in August - and the linked Chief Executive's Office and Legislative Council chamber and offices.

But in delivering the assurance, Chow revealed that the bacteria - which can lead to a deadly form of pneumonia - has now been found in the private washroom of Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing on the 12th floor of the West Wing.

So the bacteria, which can spread through tiny water droplets circulating in buildings, has now been found in 11 locations in the complex - the offices of the chief executive and the chiefs of seven departments, plus three food facilities.

Monitoring will continue at the headquarters, which remain in full operation, and experts are to meet on February 8 to assess the overall situation.

Among questions, Chow said, is whether the infrequent use of private washrooms attached to top officials' offices is a factor, as some experts suggest.

But he dismissed any ideas of government officials and staff returning to their former workplaces. "If there is no bacteria after thor
ough sterilization and regular check-ups, moving office is impractical since you will need to start inspections all over again," Chow said.

He also dismissed a suggestion that the bacteria - which saw Secretary for Education Michael Suen Ming-yeung develop Legionnaires' disease last month - was linked to a rush into the complex.

And there is no need for checks or questionnaires for the thousands of people who work in the complex as, apart from Suen, no one has contracted a disease that affects very few people, he added.

Still, to ease worries of assistants to legislators after several fell ill, the government has arranged for medical check-ups.

Greg Wong Chak-yan, a former president of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, agreed there is no need for people to move from Tamar. "Although the origin of the bacteria has not been located, sterilization should kill off the bacteria."

Secretary for Development Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said the complex has not yet joined a quality scheme under the Water Supplies Department, though its standards had been applied.

Final laboratory results of Legionella pneumophila in post-disinfection water samples
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Government Press Release

A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said today (January 26) that the final laboratory results of water samples taken after thorough cleansing and disinfection of office buildings in connection with a confirmed Legionnaires' Disease case involving a 67-year-old male patient available today have shown that out of the total 451 water samples taken, all the remaining 158 samples did not exceed the action level of 1 colony forming unit per millilitre (cfu/ml).

These samples included 135 taken from the Central Government Offices, 18 from the Legislative Council Complex, three from the Chief Executive's Office and two from Tamar Park, and all were processed by an accredited private laboratory.

Legionella bacteria was below the detection limit of 0.1 cfu/ml in 140 of the water samples. Eighteen water samples showed low levels ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 cfu/ml, which were below the action level of 1 cfu/ml.

Following the disinfection exercise, the CHP together with the Architectural Services Department and the Water Supplies Department conducted systematic post-disinfection sampling of water samples at the Chief Executive's Office, the Legislative Council Complex, the Central Government Offices and Tamar Park for further tests to ensure that the Legionella bacterial count had returned to normal levels.

A total of 451 post-disinfection water samples were collected from the whole of Tamar for further testing for Legionella pneumophila. Testing of all these water samples has been completed with the results of the remaining 158 samples available today. Testing of the first 293 samples was completed before the Chinese New Year and results were announced on January 20. All samples showed levels not exceeding the action level of 1 cfu/ml.

The spokesman said that the final laboratory results for the samples showed that the extensive disinfection exercise at Tamar had achieved its desired outcome.

http://www.legco.gov.hk/images/open_day/poster.jpg (http://www.legco.gov.hk/english/open_day/default.html)

LCQ11: Construction costs of new CGO and LegCo Complex and LegCo electricity consumption
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Government Press Release

Following is a question by the Hon Audrey Eu and a written reply by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Stephen Lam, in the Legislative Council today (February 1):

Question:

The Government Headquarters and the Legislative Council (LegCo) have been relocated to the new site at Tamar. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council of:

(a) the total expenditure on the construction of the new Central Government Complex;

(b) the total expenditure on the construction of the LegCo Complex; and

(c) the respective expenditures on electricity and data on carbon emissions of LegCo from October to December 2010 and from October to December 2011?

Reply:

President,

(a) and (b) The Tamar Development Project (the Project) includes the design and construction of the Chief Executive’s Office, Central Government Offices, Legislative Council (LegCo) Complex, open space, two elevated walkways and associated facilities. The approved project estimate is $5,528.7 million. The amount of total expenditure is yet to be finalised. Since the design and construction of the Project was awarded through one contract, there is no breakdown on the expenditure for the respective items in the contract.

(c) This part of the question touches on information of LegCo. The reply as obtained from the LegCo Secretariat is as follows -

During the period from October to December 2010, LegCo operated respectively in the LegCo Building, the Central Government Offices (West Wing), the Citibank Tower and the Murray Road Multi-storey Carpark Building. The electricity tariff in relation to the LegCo during this period was $165,240 per month on average. This did not include the electricity tariffs for the Central Government Offices (West Wing) and the Murray Road Multi-storey Carpark Building, as well as the air-conditioning charges for the Citibank Tower which were paid directly by the Government.

The electricity tariff in relation to the LegCo Complex during the period from September 20 to November 21, 2011 (Note 1) amounted to $1.46 million per month on average. This amount had included the tariff chargeable to the contractor due to the remedial works undertaken during this period. With the completion of major remedial works in the LegCo Complex, the LegCo Secretariat has put in place a series of administrative arrangements for reducing electricity consumption since December 2011, including an itemised review of the electricity consumption of various facilities.

This itemised review of electricity consumption is considered necessary as apart from a significant increase in conference and office space, LegCo is providing new and enhanced facilities and services to enhance public engagement and public understanding of the work of the legislature, such as guided educational tours, mock Council debates, etc., in its education galleries, activity rooms and exhibition halls which need to be open seven days a week throughout the year. It is expected that through the itemised review of electricity consumption, the Secretariat will be in a better position to exercise more effective use of electricity to carry out these activities.

Regarding carbon emission data, as tentatively estimated by the Architectural Services Department based on the electricity consumption of the LegCo Complex during the period from September 20 to November 21, 2011, the volume of carbon emission was some 1 527 tonnes (Note 2).

The LegCo Secretariat is always committed to conducting all its activities and operations in an environmentally responsible manner. In the Report on the Activities of The Legislative Council Commission every year, there is a report covering the environmental goal, policy and management adopted by the Secretariat. All staff are required to make efforts to protect the environment through the green measures set out in the report. Such measures include the reduction of electricity consumption and paper consumption for achieving environmental protection and reduction of carbon emission. The Secretariat is currently holding discussions with the Administration and considering the engagement of experts to conduct a comprehensive carbon audit for the LegCo Complex, with a view to continuing to implement carbon emission reduction measures based on the recommendations arising from the audit.

Notes:
(1) The meter-reading period of The Hongkong Electric Company Limited does not start on the first of every month.
(2) This is the volume of carbon emission indirectly generated by the purchase of electricity.

Root of our problems lies in Tamar
The Standard
Friday, March 16, 2012

Fung shui allows people to harness positive energy and live in harmony with the world around them. The same goals apply, on a larger scale, to countries and places such as Hong Kong as well as to their inhabitants.

But something is obviously amiss in the SAR, with recent events leaving people nursing deep grievances or sparking outright hostility - between mainlanders and Hongkongers, among locals and between the people and government officials.

The lack of harmony can be pretty much attributed to poor fung shui planning.

That was also my conclusion on April 9, 2010, when I wrote in my column - headlined "Bad move on Tamar" - that "we can only hope the administration does not end up being corrupt and incompetent."

Things have been unsettled since the administration moved its headquarters to Tamar. The new building was found to be plagued with Legionella bacteria once the government initiated the move. And now the chief executive himself is under fire for his contacts with tycoons.

The government's troubles will not end until it gets its fung shui placement right. Government officials not only have to be clean but also have to be seen to be clean.

This mess will only be ironed out if they use the fung shui remedies that I proposed in that article. As for those ministers who refuse to believe in fung shui, your turn will come.

The location of the site itself is not the only thing wrong.

If you remember, I also wrote about the different developments that have also contributed to bad fung shui, such as the "boomerang bridge" on the Route 8 expressway that cuts through the stomach of Hong Kong.

Reclamation is also changing Hong Kong's fung shui, letting its resources go down the drain. Stop all reclamation now or else things may get worse.

Thought of the week: By the time you believe what you see, it's too late.

Kerby Kuek has published five books on fung shui. He specializes in yin and yang fung shui, I-Ching, life analysis and astrology.

Website: www.misterfengshui.com

^^
Interesting perspective. Since I'm not from Hong Kong I can't really tell whether the tone is purposefully ironic or if the author holds these superstitions. Either way, this development project looked really amazing on paper.