1 MTR Corp insists on viaduct, not tunnel, for South Island Line
Celine Sun, SCMP 13 September 2008

The MTR Corporation is determined to build a viaduct for the eastern section of its new South Island Line despite residents' concerns about noise and views.

The rail company yesterday ruled out the possibility of a tunnel to link Aberdeen Tunnel toll plaza with Ap Lei Chau, which was proposed by residents in the first round of public consultation to minimise the project's impact.

Senior co-ordinating engineer Tang Pak-hung said at a Southern District Council meeting that a tunnel was "technically unfeasible" as part of it would have to go as deep as 60 to 80 metres underground at some points because of rock at some sites.

In addition, more land would be needed to build ventilation facilities and flood-proof water gates, he said. "After comparing several plans, we tend to adopt the idea of a viaduct," Mr Tang told the district councillors.

Some councillors expressed concern about train noise and degradation of views from a giant viaduct. "Many residents along the South Island Line had hoped for a tunnel. I must say we are very disappointed with the company's opting for a viaduct," district councillor Ronald Chan Ngok-pang said.

The MTR Corp said it would adopt various measures to minimise the impact, including using the latest type of trains, rubber-inlaid tracks and soundproof screens.

During the meeting, the company also revealed the latest changes to some of the exit locations along the eastern part of the South Island Line, which will link Admiralty and Ap Lei Chau. It proposed an exit at Tung Ping House in Lei Tung Estate to replace the original planned exit at Yue On Court.

It suggested that both exits at South Horizons be moved to Yi Nam Road and a footbridge from Ap Lei Chau Estate to the station be built for pedestrians.

A traffic hub is proposed for Wong Chuk Hang station, which would be an interchange for the east and west sections of the South Island Line.

To cross Aberdeen Harbour, a rail bridge will be constructed alongside the Ap Lei Chau road bridge.

"It can be either a bridge with a similar style to the one next to it, or a totally different one that will serve as a landmark," Mr Tang said.

 

2 Sun sets on '60s-era factory estate
Joyce Man, SCMP 13 September 2008

The Kwun Tong factory estate to be demolished next month. Photo:

Another piece of Hong Kong's modern history is facing the wrecker's ball after its last tenants moved out yesterday. One of eight surviving Housing Authority factory estates, the Kwun Tong factory estate in Ngau Tau Kok, built in 1966, will be demolished next month.

Its tenants began moving out eight years ago - switching to newer factory estates or private industrial sites, or shutting up shop altogether. Only 100 were still operating by the end of last year. Tenants received compensation of up to 124 months' rent, or HK$80,000.

"Of course, there were a few who took time to deal with the change, but the whole process went very smoothly," said Lau Chu Wai-ha, the Housing Department official overseeing the estate's closure.

The seven-storey estate is one of 17 the authority built between the 1950s and the 1980s. Previously occupied by mechanics and garment, curtain and button manufacturers, it is characteristic of Hong Kong's old factory estates, with ramps and fans instead of lifts and air conditioning.

Yesterday, Chim Yick-san, 49, bade farewell to the factory where he repaired car parts for 30 years.

"This workshop fed 10 families," he said of the staff at his workshop, Chim Kee.

He is now at a factory in Kowloon Tong, where the rent is four times what he paid for a three-unit space at the Kwun Tong estate, but he takes a stoic view of the move.

"I'm old enough now to take care of myself and not expect the government to," he said. Sure, he was leaving behind years of memories, but he said: "I'm a forward-looking man."

Lee Siu-ying, 65, who opened a hanger and button business with her husband on the sixth floor in 1982, recalled the camaraderie she enjoyed there, especially the home-made soup and desserts that the workers used to share.

"Of course I'll miss it. We had 20 years of history here," she said.

"They were like my neighbours."

It is unclear what will replace the estate. Tenders for the 6,500 square metre site will be sought next June.