Over the past few years, organisers of the Hong Kong International Film Festival have staged outdoor film shows at the Tamar site by erecting a huge temporary screen, the largest of its kind in Asia.

When I looked through this year's programme, I noticed the blurb said this would be "The Last Picture Shows at the Tamar Site". It seems there is still some misunderstanding about what the Tamar project is all about.

The major misconception is that the Tamar site would be used "solely" for building a new Central Government Complex, which would "deny" the public access to the area. That is not the case.

The Government's objective is to develop the Tamar site as an iconic civic core for Hong Kong. Half of the site will be used to construct the government complex as well as a new Legislative Council Complex. The other half - the half adjacent to the waterfront - is designated as "Open Space" and will be developed into a public, civic space.  

Once the project is finished, Tamar will become a hub of activity for the administration, the legislature and the public. The project, as a whole, is a balanced option that takes into account public interests and community needs. It has gone through the statutory planning procedures of the Town Planning Board.

LegCo's support given in 2003

In 2003, it was supported by both the Legislative Council's Planning, Lands & Works Panel as well as the Public Works Subcommittee. The plans were put on the backburner later in 2003 due to the economic and fiscal impact of the SARS outbreak. But now that the economy is performing well, it is a good time to relaunch the project.

Because the Tamar site will become a public landmark, traffic and environmental considerations must - and have - been given due regard. Studies have found the development will have no long-term, adverse impact on the air quality and environment of Central District. The same applies for traffic impact.

To protect the ridgeline on Hong Kong Island, the Government has imposed a height restriction of 130 to 160 metres on the proposed government complex and Legislative Council Complex. This is 20 to 50 metres less than the permitted height for the site.

Tight rein pledged on complex size

We have pledged to keep a tight rein on the size of the new government complex. Only the staff of divisions involved in policy formulation will be accommodated in the complex, which effectively controls the total gross floor area of the building. And when we invite tenders, those bidders will be required to ensure their overall design schemes take into account the Urban Design Guidelines and the Harbour Planning Principles, which are well accepted by the public.

With public interest our primary concern, we have to meet the office needs of both the Government and the Legislative Councillors in planning the Tamar project. Both the Government Secretariat and  have experienced a shortage of office space for years.

The existing Central Government Offices and the Murray Building are 45 and 35 years old, respectively. Because of the age of the two buildings, annual maintenance costs alone are almost $30 million. On top of that, some bureaux also have to rent commercial office space.

Gov't to consult public on old buildings' use

After the relocation of the Government Secretariat, the sites of the existing government offices in Lower Albert Road and the Murray Building may be put to other uses to meet Hong Kong's economic and social needs. But before any decisions are made in that regard, the Government will extensively consult the public.

The Tamar site has now been left idle for nine years. The feasibility study on the Tamar project has been done. Ground investigation and other works assessments were finished in 2003, while prequalification applications for the project have just closed.

We will select the qualified applicants in due course. Subject to funding support by the LegCo Finance Committee we will then proceed with the tender exercise.

However, if the previous LegCo consensus is overturned and we need to start all over again, the Tamar site may yet lay idle for another few years.

Tamar project would create construction jobs

At present, unemployment in the construction industry remains serious. The Tamar project will create at least 2,700 employment opportunities, including 2,400 jobs for unemployed workers. This would no doubt help these families to improve their lives.

Hong Kong is our home, and we love our city. After the Tamar project is completed, residents and visitors will be able to stroll at leisure in the open spaces adjacent to the administrative and legislative centre and take in the glittering night skyline on both sides of the harbour.

The realisation of this project will be a testimony to harmony and active public participation in Hong Kong. The civic core of Hong Kong will become a vibrant venue for enjoying outdoor film shows, performances or simply the magnificent view of the harbour.

The Tamar development will give Hong Kong an administrative, legislative and recreational heart and is definitely in the overall interests of the community.