Facilities and Projects

The Department attaches great importance to the provision of leisure and cultural facilities for the public. The Planning Section of the Department maintains close liaison with various District Councils to gauge the public's views on the demand and priority of leisure and cultural facilities in the local community. Since the establishment of the Department in 2000, a total of 62 projects valued at approximately $10 billion have been completed. Furthermore, priority treatment of 25 ex-Municipal Council projects was announced in the Chief Executive's Policy Address in January 2005, with funding earmarked. In 2006, another 21 projects were selected for early implementation.

The Department made significant progress in 2006 in providing new facilities and implementing new projects.

Three facilities were completed, including the Stanley Municipal Services Building, which comprises a community hall, a sports centre and a library; Nan Lian Garden, a unique Chinese garden characterised by Tang Dynasty style landscaping and architectural features; and, in memorial of one of the most distinguished figures in modern China, the Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum, formerly Kom Tong Hall, with modification of the original architecture. A list of the completed projects is in Appendix 6.

The exquisite Nan Lian Garden has proved popular among local people and tourists since its completion in November 2006.

Facilities under Construction

At the year end, construction of 13 capital works projects was in progress, including four major facilities: the Indoor Recreation Centre in Tin Shui Wai, which will be equipped with various sports facilities; the Hin Tin Swimming Pool - Phase 2 in Sha Tin, which contains an indoor heated pool; Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground, which comprises athletic facilities suitable for holding international field competitions and two natural turf soccer pitches; and the Indoor Recreation Centre, Community Hall cum Library in Area 17, Tung Chung, which comprises a library, various sports facilities and a community hall. A complete list of the nine projects is in Appendix 5.

Eleven minor works projects, each costing less than $15 million, were completed during the year, and 31 are under construction.