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1. 22 building plans approved in February

2. James Blake appointed KCRC’s new CEO

1. 22 building plans approved in February
Hong Kong Government, 21 March 2006

The Buildings Department approved 22 building plans in February - eight on Hong Kong Island, eight in Kowloon and six in the New Territories.

Of the approved plans, 10 were for apartment and apartment/commercial developments, nine were for commercial developments, two were for factory and industrial developments and one was for community services developments.

In the same month, consent was given for work to start on 13 building projects that, when completed, will provide 52,670 square metres of gross floor area for domestic use, involving 773 units, and 15,658 square metres of gross floor area for non-domestic use. The department has received notification of commencement of work for 15 building projects.

The department also issued 10 occupation permits - four on Hong Kong Island, two in Kowloon and four in the New Territories.

Of the buildings certified for occupation, the gross floor areas for domestic use were 3,589 square metres, involving nine units, and 5,835 square metres for non-domestic use.

The declared cost of the new buildings completed in February totalled about $250 million.

In addition, seven demolition consents involving seven building structures were issued.

The department received 1,828 complaints against unauthorised building works in February, and issued 1,556 removal orders on unauthorised works.

The full version of the Monthly Digest for February can be viewed by members of the public on the Buildings Department's homepage (www.bd.gov.hk).

2. James Blake appointed KCRC’s new CEO
KCRC Press Release, 21 March 2006

The Managing Board of the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) today announced the appointment of Ir James Blake, JP, to be the Chief Executive Officer (Designate) with effect from 22 March 2006. Mr Samuel Lai, Acting Chief Executive Officer will stay on until the completion of a smooth handover of his duties as the Acting Chief Executive Officer to Ir. Blake.

Ir Blake was the Senior Director, Capital Projects for the KCRC from 1997 to 2004, responsible for supervising the implementation of the Corporation’s railway expansion programme which included West Rail and the East Rail Extensions projects. Before joining KCRC in 1997, he was Secretary for Works in the Government between 1991 and 1995.

Ir Blake said, “I am honoured to be appointed to this important position at this crucial moment when the Corporation faces a lot of challenges. My priority is to rebuild the staff morale and ensure that they will continue to maintain the high standard of service as they have always done.”

I will also deal with the Corporation’s issues in relation to the merger and will work closely with Mr Michael Tien, KCRC Chairman, and the Managing Board to increase the Corporation’s transparency and accountability for the best interests of the Corporation and the public.” he added.