As the lease for the former Chief Executive's office located in Pacific Place is set to end in mid-May, the Hong Kong SAR government plans to relocate the office to the 23rd floor of the Immigration Tower in Wan Chai to continue its operations. Against the backdrop of the Wan Chai district's redevelopment plan, this relocation plan has sparked widespread attention.
Today (Jan. 14), Chief Executive John Lee was asked whether the arrangements would affect the district's redevelopment plan and Hong Kong's competitiveness in trade and exhibitions. He mentioned that by utilizing vacant government buildings and refurbishing relevant spaces for the former Chief Executive's use, they aim to save public funds.
As for the redevelopment plan, Lee said it will proceed as scheduled.
The Immigration Tower in Wan Chai was completed in the second half of 1989, standing at 177 meters tall with 49 floors. As early as the 2008 Budget, the government proposed the phased relocation of government offices from three government buildings in Wan Chai to free up prime commercial land.
The Town Planning Board approved amendments to the Draft Wan Chai North Outline Zoning Plan last year, redesignating the land covering Wan Chai Tower, Revenue Tower, Immigration Tower, Wan Chai Fire Station, Gloucester Road Garden, and parts of Harbour Road for "Exhibition Centre with Commercial Development." This comprehensive development includes facilities for conferences, exhibitions, hotels, and offices.
Lee also mentioned that despite financial constraints, the government plans to allocate an average of around HK$90 billion annually for basic infrastructure projects in the coming years, prioritizing investments in the northern metropolitan area, land reclamation, housing construction, and industrial development.
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