The Secretary for Development, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (December 14) visited Sha Tin District to learn about the latest developments there.
Accompanied by the District Officer, Mr Lai Chi-wah, Mrs Lam first visited the Shan Hai Wai Tsuen (Tsang Tai Uk), a Grade I historic building constructed in 1848. The largest Hakka-style residence in Hong Kong, Tsang Tai Uk now houses about 200 people, half of whom are indigenous villagers. The residence is surrounded by external walls covering an area of about 6,000 square metres with more than 100 rooms. A three-storey-high fort was built at each of the four corners to protect the buildings.
Mrs Lam met the village representatives and some of the residents and listened to their views on preserving the building. Mrs Lam pointed out that as one of the new initiatives on heritage conservation raised by the Chief Executive in the 2007/08 Policy Address, the Government would offer financial support for the maintenance of privately owned graded historic buildings.
During today's visit, Mrs Lam was briefed on the progress of the construction of Road T3 in Tai Wai by the Project Manager (New Territories East) of the Civil Engineering and Development Department, Mr Kwong Hing-ip. The road, forming part of Route 8 linking Tai Wai with Cheung Sha Wan, is expected to be completed in the first half of 2008. Mrs Lam was also briefed by the District Planning Officer (Sha Tin, Tai Po and North), Mr Hui Wai-keung, on the property development above the Tai Wai MTR Station and Depot.
Mrs Lam then visited the Equestrian Pavilion at Penfold Park. The pavilion was opened in November this year with the objective of enhancing the community's understanding of the Olympic equestrian events to be held in Hong Kong next year. The exhibition features many interactive and multi-media exhibits, such as models of equestrian venues, digital books, a circular theatre, and equestrian equipment and dress.
Before ending her visit, Mrs Lam met Sha Tin District Council members to exchange views on the development of the district.
Ends/Friday, December 14, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:17
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