Question "LCQ3: Central Reclamation Phase III" by the Hon Martin Lee and an oral reply by the Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands, Mr Michael Suen, in the Legislative Council

 

Following is a question by the Hon Martin Lee and an oral reply by the Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands, Mr Michael Suen, in the Legislative Council today (June 2):

 

Question:

 

Will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the number of claims for compensation received so far in respect of the Central Reclamation Phase III ("CRIII"), as well as the nature and amount of each claim, and the percentage of the amount in relation to the value of the contract concerned;

 

(b) whether it will undertake not to allow the redevelopment or conversion of the buildings on the existing waterfront into high-rise buildings upon completion of the reclamation project and construction of the new waterfront; if so, of the details of the undertaking; if not, the reasons for that; and

 

(c) whether it will consider holding an open competition in respect of the design of the above new waterfront and appointing private sector organisations to manage the new reclamation area; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

 

 

Reply:

 

Madam President,

 

(a) The main contract of the Central Reclamation Phase III ("CRIII") works was awarded to the Leighton - China State - Van Oord Joint Venture ("the Contractor") on 10 February 2003 with an awarded contract sum of $3,790 million. Pending the outcome of the CRIII judicial review, the Government suspended the scheduled marine piling and reclamation works under the CRIII contract from 28 September 2003 to 9 March 2004. In addition, the marine works had been disturbed by a green group. The Contractor submitted on 17 April 2004 a consolidated claim, the contents of which concerned the delay and the related expenditure resulting from the suspension of works. According to the preliminary information provided by the Contractor, the amount claimed is estimated to be $280 million, which is about 7% of the awarded contract sum. Territory Development Department has asked the Contractor to provide detailed information and justifications, and will consider and process the claim in accordance with the established procedures.

 

(b) Developments in the existing Central waterfront are covered by the approved Central District (Extension) Outline Zoning Plan ("OZP"). The OZP has clearly stipulated the land use, development restrictions and building height restrictions regarding any new developments or redevelopments.

 

(c) The open space of the future Central waterfront will be developed into a vibrant and accessible waterfront promenade for the enjoyment of citizens and tourists alike. The newly formed Harbour-front Enhancement Committee ("HEC") will advise the Government on the planning, land use and development of the existing and future harbour-front. Members of the public are welcome to give their views to the HEC on areas including the design of the Central waterfront promenade, the best implementation method and the management issues, including the proposal on private sector participation.

 

Ends/Wednesday, June 2, 2004

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