Logistics problem: Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works (Works) Mak Chai-kwong says it is inappropriate to make any adjustment to the Central reclamation project plan at this stage.

Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works (Works) Mak Chai-kwong says it is inappropriate to make any adjustment to the Central reclamation project plan at this stage, adding any changes would affect overall logistic planning.

Speaking to the press this afternoon, Mr Mak refuted suggestions the Star Ferry Clock Tower could be preserved by shifting the alignment of the proposed Road P2 and the underground facilities.

"The clock tower is a structure built on the pier, forming an integrated part of the pier. The clock tower's structure will inevitably be damaged if we demolish the pier and therefore the clock tower cannot be preserved."

Mr Mak said the Government must demolish the pier because the proposed Road P2, the airport overrun tunnel and the proposed storm water drain all run underneath or alongside the pier. He said it is technically impossible to make any changes to the existing plan.

Detailed explanation

He said Road P2 is an extension of the existing Man Cheung Street, which lay beside the Airport Railway Station. The alignment of Man Cheung Street and Road P2 were decided after a thorough study. The starting point of Road P2 has to join Man Cheung Street. To suit road safety requirements, the alignment of Road P2 should not turn in a very sharp bend in order to avoid the Star Ferry Pier nearby.

"To meet the future demand of rail transport, the Extended Overrun Tunnel  of the Airport Railway has to be extended by a total of 500 metres. The tunnel is located under the old Star Ferry Pier. Given that the alignment of the tunnel cannot be shifted sharply, the demolition of the Star Ferry Pier is inevitable.

"Thirdly, the existing drainage box culvert located at the waterfront of Man Yiu Street has to be extended to the new waterfront to continue its operation. As the level of the culvert clashes with that of the Extended Overrun Tunnel , the culvert cannot be extended northwards and has to run eastwards along the southern side of the Extended Overrun Tunnel.

"Moreover, the extent to which the culvert can be realigned to the south is constrained by the presence of the General Post Office and the cooling water mains and shaft. Therefore, there is no room to adjust the project," Mr Mak added.