The Government has, in response to public feedback on the Tamar development project, already opted to reduce the office space requirements by 10% compared with the 2003 proposal.

It has also introduced the requirement for a 20% building-free zone under the ridgeline to preserve the ridgeline and maintain an open view to and from Victoria Harbour.

The two-hectare public open space at Tamar, coupled with the future waterfront promenade for Central Reclamation III, would provide a total of 10.8 hectares of public open space, an area larger than Hong Kong Park, the Administration Wing said.

Director of Administration Elizabeth Tse and representatives from relevant bureaus and departments today discussed the project with 24 groups and individuals.

Today's meeting enables us to engage the interested parties in a face-to-face dialogue, the Administration Wing said.

At the meeting, some groups also commented on the planning of the new Central waterfront, although it was not part of the Tamar project. A Planning Department representative took the opportunity to explain the vision, planning and urban design concepts for the area.

The Administration Wing said the views received on the Tamar project were "rather diverse". Some urged the government to press ahead with the project in view of the unemployment situation within the construction sector and the fact that many jobs would be created by the project. They thought discussions had gone on for too long; it was time to act.

Others questioned the justification and urgency for the Tamar project, and its related environmental and traffic impact on the district.

In response, the government team stressed that the Tamar project would be designed to bring the public closer to the administration and the legislature. At least half of the site would be set aside as open space.

The Central Government Complex and the Legislative Council Complex would be a low-intensity office development and the project would have no significant long-term environmental and traffic implications.

The government further confirmed that it would stipulate design requirements making the Tamar project as accessible, environmentally friendly and energy-efficient as possible in the tender document.