Harbourfront headquarters: Director of Administration Elizabeth Tse says the tendering process for the Tamar development project will start in the third quarter.

The Legislative Council has approved the Government's $5.2 billion funding request for the Tamar development project. Director of Administration Elizabeth Tse says the Government will get the public involved in the tendering process.

Speaking at the LegCo Finance Committee meeting today, Miss Tse said subject to funding support by the Legislative Council, the Government will start the tendering process in the third quarter. When the tenders are returned, models of the designs will be presented for public viewing. The Government will hire a consultant to study ways to display the models and how to collect public and expert views on the designs.

Miss Tse said the Special Selection Board will consider construction costs and other technical issues when evaluating the tenders and will also take the public's views into account.

To ensure impartiality and openness, the Government will work closely with the Independent Commission Against Corruption and there will be an appropriate mechanism for lawmakers to monitor the process.

Contaminant disposal

Acting Director of Environmental Protection Dr Michael Chiu said only a small amount of contaminant with traces of heavy metal has been found at the Tamar site, which can be disposed of.

The Government has reserved $5 million for handling the contaminant. All Government tests have shown the dioxin level at the site and in Victoria Harbour as far below international standard.

On the future plan for the Government's offices in Central, Miss Tse said no final decision has yet been made, adding it adopts an open attitude on the issue and public requests for heritage conservation will be considered.

Noting the concerned site is now designated for community purposes, the director said if there is a need to change the land usage, the Government will need to consult the public and seek the Executive Council's and Town Planning Board's approval.