9.
IMPACT ON CULTURAL HERITAGE
9.1
Introduction
9.1.1 This chapter will address any potential
adverse impacts associated with the Project. This assessment has been carried
out following the criteria and guidelines of Annexes 10 and 19 of the EIAO TM
and Clause of 3.4.8 of the Study Brief. The whole alignment was studied for
potential impacts on historical buildings and cultural heritage sites.
9.1.2 Thirty five intakes that will intercept
existing flows and divert them via 30 dropshafts to the drainage tunnel. The
intakes will include the in-stream flow diversion structure (including screen
for preventing debris and large stones from entering the tunnel system), vortex
inlet to facilitate stable flow within the drop shaft, the drop shafts, a low
flow bypass channels and maintenance platforms. The drop shafts vary in height with the
shortest being 8 metres and the longest being approximately 180 metres;
9.2 Objectives of the Cultural
Heritage Impact Assessment
9.2.1 A Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment CHIA must
be undertaken in order to identify the impact that any proposed construction
will have on the cultural heritage of the Project. The specific objectives
include the following:
·
to
identify and highlight all archaeological deposits, cultural heritage resources
and built heritage structures in the Study Area;
·
to
assess direct and indirect impacts which may result from the proposed
construction and operation activities of this Project on these resources; and
·
to
recommend mitigation of impacts where required.
9.3 Desk
Based Study
Built
Heritage Resources
9.3.1 A number of built heritage resources were
identified in the Cultural Heritage Review as possibly being within 50 m of
proposed works areas; however, changes and refinements in project plans have
now excluded these from consideration. Table 9.1 illustrates that they are
located more than 50m from works areas and no impacts will result. As a result
of this, no further investigation of these resources will be required.
Table 9.1
Distance from Works Areas
of Heritage Resources Outside the
Defined 50m Study Area
|
Heritage
Resource |
Works Area |
Approx.
Distance from area |
|
St. Stephens Girls College |
W8 |
125 m |
|
Old Pathological Institute |
W8 |
250 m |
|
Old British Military Hospital |
B2 |
125 m |
|
Ohel Leah Synagogue |
RR1 |
68 m |
|
Ex-Commodore’s House |
MGR2 |
No longer designated as a works
area |
|
Pedder Building |
C10-3 |
No longer designated as a works
area |
|
Lover’s Rock |
BR4 |
190 m |
|
Tram Bridge |
M3 |
No longer designated as a works area |
|
Botanical Gardens |
W5(P) |
75 m |
|
Sikh Temple |
C15-1 |
No longer designated as a works
area |
|
Muslim Cemetery |
C15-1 |
No longer designated as a works
area |
|
First Church of Christ, Scientist |
|
No longer designated as a works
area |
|
Pinewood Battery |
W11 |
200 m |
|
Pinewood Battery |
W17 |
400 m |
|
Pinewood Battery |
PFLR1 |
500 m |
|
Mount Davis Batteries |
W12 |
> 1000 m |
9.3.2 The following known built heritage resources
were identified as part of the desk-based study;
Haw Par Mansion and Gardens -
(i)
The Public Gardens
9.3.3 Haw Par Public Gardens, more commonly known
as Tiger Balm Gardens, were completed in 1935 next to the private residence of
the Haw family, Haw Par Mansion. The public gardens served to advertise the
family business, Tiger Balm medicinal ointment, and to provide a place of entertainment
and to teach traditional Chinese cautionary tales. Apparently, there was no
formal design of the gardens in advance of construction. Each of the
exhibitions was described verbally by Haw Boon-haw to craftsmen from Shantou.
The original gardens covered eight acres and were completed in 1935.
9.3.4 The gardens were altered a number of times
during Aw Boon-haw’s lifetime, and were reduced by half, a number of years ago,
when the southern and western sides were set back to accommodate construction
of private apartments. The remaining public gardens were recently demolished to
make way for another residential development project.
(ii)
Haw Par Mansion and Private Gardens
9.3.5 As part of this latest redevelopment scheme,
it was agreed that the mansion and its private gardens, including the existing
boundary walls and gateway would be preserved. This site was granted Grade II
status and was surrendered to the SAR government in 2001, see Figure 9.1 for
the current boundary of the historical site.
9.3.6 The mansion and private gardens also date
from the 1930’s and were built by Aw Boon-haw, an entrepreneur and
philanthropist, who along with his brother made his fortune from the
development and marketing of Tiger Balm ointment. Aw Boon-haw also invested in
the newspaper industry, founding the “Star Press”, and became known as “King of
the Press”. After his death in 1954 his daughter, Sally Aw Sian took over the
business.
9.3.7 The cultural significance of this site is
integrally connected to the now demolished public gardens, which were highly
placed in the collective memory of Hong Kong inhabitants and formed a highly
visible link to a bye-gone, but fondly remembered era in Hong Kong’s historical
record.
Former
Explosives Magazine / Old Ammunitions Depot - former Victoria Barracks,
Queensway
9.3.8 The Explosives Magazine, a Grade I site, may
have been constructed as early as 1843 by Major Edward Aldrich, the Commander
of the Royal Engineers who built the Murray Building and Victoria Barracks.
There is no record of exactly when the magazine was built, but documents show
it had been in operation when the British Army opposed government proposals to
build Kennedy Road in 1868. Army officials claimed the safety of the ammunition
depot, surrounded by steep slopes, might have been placed in danger by any
nearby traffic. The military finally conceded in 1876 and agreed that the road
could be built on the upper slope above the magazine depot. The stores were
built in such a way that an accidental explosion would only be directed upwards
through the roof.
Hop Yat Church - 2 Bonham Road
9.3.9 Dr. James Legge, a Scottish missionary and
sinologist who arrived in Hong Kong in 1843 founded the church. He established
the Union Church in Hollywood Road in 1844 with services in English and
Chinese. In 1926 the Chinese congregation moved to the new Hop Yat Church on
Bonham Road (Figure 9.9). The cornerstone of the original church is
incorporated in the present building. The church is a Grade II historical
building.
9.3.10 The building was repaired in 1987 when air-conditioning
was also installed. It is in near original condition and has undergone only
superficial alterations and retains high architectural value in terms of rarity
and in the integration of western inspired Gothic features. It has cultural
significance, as it is the home of the oldest surviving Chinese-Christian group
in Hong Kong.
Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate
Conception - 16 Caine Road
9.3.11 The structure was originally constructed between the
years of 1883 and 1888. A recent conservation programme started in 1997 when
major roof leakages were reported. The major repairs and upgrading of the
Cathedral to fit the needs of its community and to enhance its historic
character were completed in 2002. The conservation works received Honorable
Mention from the UNESCO Heritage Awards, 2003.
9.3.12 The Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
retains its well-conserved architectural significance. Alterations to the site
have been minimal and in keeping with the overall integrity of the building.
The cultural significance of the structure lies in its value to the local and
international Catholic community and its continuous use as a religious centre
for more than a century.
Terrestrial
Archaeology
9.3.13 The Western Portal is located on the rocky promontory
between reclamations at Pok Fu Lam and Cyber Port and has no archaeological
potential. The Eastern Portal is located in a stream course and on rock face at
an elevation of approx. 100m PD. Modifications to the landscape and the
elevation make the archaeological potential of the area low. There are no known
archaeological sites in the vicinity of any of the proposed works areas. No
further investigation is required.
Marine
Archaeology
9.3.14 The
Western Portal is located south of Sassoon Road, in a rocky headland between
Pok Fu Lam to the north and Cyber Port to the south. It will serve as the
outfall for stormwater discharge for the drainage tunnel. Works will be
confined to boring and blasting for the portal, and construction of a hydraulic
stilling basin but will not involve any offshore works or reclamation that
could potentially impact on marine archaeological deposits. There are no known
marine archaeological sites in the offshore areas to the west of the alignment
portal at Pok Fu Lam, therefore there will be no potential impacts to marine
archaeological resources and no further investigation is required.
Cultural
and Historical Landscapes
9.3.15 No
cultural or historical landscapes were identified in the desk-based study.
Historical
Graves
9.3.16 No
historical graves were identified in the desk-based study.
9.4.1 A field survey was undertaken for the entire
alignment. No other resources were identified apart from those already
identified in the desk-based study. Detailed inventory forms of the recorded
resources can be found in Appendix E. Descriptions of the resources have also
been included in the following paragraphs;
9.4.2 Haw Par Mansion is a Chinese-style
three-story building with a green tiled roof and red columns (Figure 9.2). It
has hexagonal towers with green tiled pagoda-style projecting roofs; the lower
story is cream color stucco and the upper storeys are red brick with large
decorative windows. Deep balconies ring each story with plain colonnades. The
interior has many significant and opulent decorative features, including
excellent examples of cabinetry and stained glass windows. There is extensive
use of the color red and of circular Art-Deco motifs in windows, furnishings
and built in cabinets to display jade and other collections belonging to the
family.
9.4.3 The Haw Par Mansion represents an eclectic
architectural style, mixing Chinese and Western features in an idiosyncratic
manner. This personal style and high rarity value give it high architectural
significance. The cultural significance of the mansion is also high due to its
historical associations with an important Hong Kong and Asian family and with a
pivotal era of local history.
9.4.4 The boundary wall is constructed of cut
stone masonry and is divided into four receding levels each with a sloping
capping course and moldings (Figure 9.3). At intervals are stepped projecting
piers with molded capitals that span the middle levels. The base of the wall
has a curved projecting footing over decorative moldings. At the top of the
wall curved brackets support the ornate balustrade.
9.4.5 The gateway was built in the form of a
four-storey hexagonal pagoda, of cut stone masonry (Figure 9.4). The lowest
floor has an arched entranceway with wrought iron and glass doors. Above this,
there is a floor with decorative stone masonry coursing and a central window
with ornate ironwork. It is topped with projecting moldings. The third level
has large windows on each face set between red semi-columns. The Chinese style
pagoda roof is green tiled with ornate finials. The upper story has red
decorative elements and a similar style roof. At each side of the pagoda
gateway are fancy cut stone pillars with moldings standing on three tiers of
receding masonry, set into the angle between gateway and terrace wall. The
gateway has high architectural significance because of its craftsmanship and in
that it reflects closely the ornate and colorful Chinese style characteristic
of the Haw Par Mansion and of the former public gardens.
Former Explosive Magazine of the Former
Victoria Barracks
9.4.6 The complex is built into the sloping
hillside on a substantial cut stone platform supporting a surrounding wall. The
three remaining structures are separated by large earth blast bunks known as
the North and South Traverses. The bunks are retained by random rubble walls
and the surcharge is covered by grass and planted with ornamental trees and
shrubs. The site plan can be seen in Figure 9.5.
9.4.7 The L-shaped building, a former laboratory,
is a single storey structure with thick granite walls and a tiled roof (Figures
9.6 and 9.7). On the southern side there is a colonnaded verandah with stone
paving. There is also a small detached toilet block at one end. The north face
of the building has numerous windows with plain projecting canopies and
moldings below the eaves.
9.4.8 The central building, known as Magazine A
served as a storehouse for explosives (Figure 9.8). It is built of granite and
has a barrel vaulted roof. A red brick annex building was constructed at the
eastern end of Magazine A, as was a small detached toilet block.
9.4.9 The third building, Magazine B, is located
to the south at the foot of the slope. It is a single story stone walled
structure with a verandah on the north and a roof similar to that of Magazine
A.
9.4.10 The Former Explosives Magazine complex retains
architectural significance as a fine example of a utilitarian, military complex
from the earliest years of colonial Hong Kong. Although the compound and
individual buildings have undergone superficial alterations they retain a wide
range of original features and have high architectural value in terms of
rarity. The overall cultural significance of the complex is also high as it is
one of the few military compounds left intact in Hong Kong.
Hop Yat Church
9.4.11 Hop Yat Church is built on a high terrace supported by a
curving, cut stone retaining wall and is accessed by a flight of steep stairs.
The Church is in a simplified Gothic style with pointed arches and flying
buttresses (Figure 9.10). The building is constructed of brick and stucco
painted cream with brown trim and decorative brisk courses creating a striped
effect inside the recessed alcoves. The windows are decorated with ornate
tracery on both upper and lower storeys.
It has a rectangular plan with a single bell tower at the front topped
by a balustrade, main hall on the first floor and offices and secondary hall on
the ground floor (Figure 9.11). It has a pitched roof with steel truss
supported on buttresses.
The Catholic Church of the Immaculate
Conception
9.4.12 The Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
(Figure 9.12) is an imposing Gothic style building in cruciform shape with
a tower at the intersection of nave and transepts (Figure 9.13). The structure
is built of cut stone and stucco with an ornate projecting portico with three
arches at the entrance. The façade has a triple stained glass window with
rosette above and is flanked by piers topped with pointed finials; the
sidewalls are buttressed and have narrow windows with decorative glasswork.
9.5 Identification of Impacts
Construction
Phase
9.5.1 Impacts will arise from site formation and
engineering works associated with the construction of a TBM bored-tunnel and
intake shafts (that will intercept existing flow and divert them to the
drainage tunnel). These adverse impacts can include potential structural damage
from groundborne vibration, superficial external damage from contact with
construction equipment and machinery operations.
Operation Phase
9.5.2 There will be no adverse impacts arising
from the operation of the tunnel itself. Potential adverse impacts may arise
from alterations to the existing environment at sites in the vicinity of
surface structures.
9.6 Prediction of Impacts
Construction
Phase
9.6.1 The majority of the
tunnel excavation will not result in any adverse impacts as it will be carried
out at a minimum depth of 30m and a maximum depth of 350 m below the ground
surface. It will mainly be dug by tunnel boring machine (TBM).
9.6.2 Potential impacts will be limited to the
works areas around designated tunnel portals and intake shafts. Details below;
Eastern Portal Site
9.6.3 Site formation works at the Eastern Portal
site will include modifications of the site for construction vehicle access,
equipment and tunnel segment storage, water treatment facilities, an
electricity sub-station, a workshop and a stockpile for excavated material and
a temporary engineering and construction office. The engineering works will
consist of initial excavation to establish the portal and spoil handling
facilities. It will also include the establishment of site offices.
Western Portal Site
9.6.4 The western portal will consist of a large
tunnel opening with an apron leading down to a stilling basin and silt trap.
There are no cultural heritage resources in the vicinity of the western portal.
Intake Structures
9.6.5 The only intake shaft that is the vicinity
of an historical building is W3(P), which is located adjacent to the former
explosive magazine of the former Victoria Barracks. This intake shaft will be
excavated by raise boring method. Spoil material from the excavation works will
be dropped down to the tunnel and removed via the two tunnel portals. The
temporary works sites will include water treatment facilities, electricity
provision, crane, storage area and raise bore rig/ reverse circulation drilling
plant. The intake structure will consist of a deep vertical concrete shaft and
a surface approach channel that will intercept the upstream flow.
Operation Phase
9.6.6 Potential adverse impacts may arise from
alterations to the existing surface environment in the vicinity of the Eastern
Portal, specifically in the construction of a permanent vehicle access road in
close proximity to northeastern corner of the boundary wall and gateway of Haw
Par Mansion. Details of the impacts can be found in section 9.7.
9.7 Evaluation
of Impacts
Construction
Phase
9.7.1 Four built heritage resources were
identified as being located within 50 m of works areas. The details of the
impact evaluation are presented in the table below;
Table 9.2
Evaluation
of impacts associated with the proposed works (construction phase)
|
Heritage Resource |
Minimum distance from works area |
Evaluation of Impacts |
|
Haw Par Mansion |
From works area (for construction of tunnel portal and permanent vehicle access ramp): 20 m The building is situated on a terrace
approximately 20 m higher than the surface of the works area. It is separated
from the works area by a cut stone retaining wall. |
As the mansion contains a number of fragile structural and decorative elements, damage may occur from groundborne vibration associated with the engineering works for the construction of the tunnel portal. Building settlement is not expected, as the area
is inland rock formation. A well-developed valley is situated at the works
area and groundwater table draw down will be negligible. |
|
Boundary
wall of Haw Par Mansion |
From works area for construction of the tunnel
portal: minimum 3 m buffer zone to be provided All construction works will
take place within the proposed temporary works area and permanent work
boundaries, which will have standard DSD site hoarding** located around the
periphery, except exit/entrance. |
Engineering works during the construction of the tunnel portal will consist of the initial excavation for establishing the tunnel portal and spoil handling. The boundary wall shows evidence of structural deterioration in the form of cracks and further damage may occur from ground borne vibration associated with the engineering works. The gateway contains fragile architectural and decorative elements, which also may be damaged by ground borne vibration associated with the engineering works described above. |
|
Gate of Haw Par Mansion |
From works area for the proposed permanent vehicle
access ramp: minimum 3 m buffer zone to be provided. All construction works
will take place within the proposed temporary works area and permanent work
boundaries, which will have standard DSD site hoarding** located around the
periphery, except exit/entrance. |
After the engineering works for the tunnel portal have been completed, the construction of a permanent vehicle access ramp has been proposed. The 3 m buffer zone and hoarding will provide sufficient protection to ensure that there will be no adverse impacts to the wall or gate from machinery operation or equipment. It must also be ensured that the gate and wall will be accessible at all times for routine inspection and maintenance. |
|
Former Explosive Magazine of the former Victoria
Barracks; |
|
|
|
Laboratory Block North Transverse Magazine A South Transverse Magazine B |
3 m 10 m 10 m 15 m 35 m |
No adverse vibration impacts will result from the works associated with the excavation of the intake structure, as excavation will be by raise boring method. Adverse impacts from contact with machinery operation or equipment will not occur, as the structures are separated from the works area (which will be enclosed by standard DSD site hoarding*) by a stone retaining wall. |
|
Retaining wall |
3 m |
The wall does not contain any fragile structural
elements, however, damage to the wall was visible in the form of cracks and
vegetation growth. Adverse vibration impacts may arise from the excavation of
the intake structure. Adverse impacts from contact with machinery operation
or equipment will not occur, as there is a 3 m by a buffer zone between the
wall and the works area, which will be enclosed by standard DSD site
hoarding*. |
|
Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception |
48 m |
No adverse impacts will result from the excavation
of the intake structure as the works are located at a sufficient distance
from the cathedral to provide an adequate buffer zone. |
|
Hop Yat Church |
50 m |
No adverse impacts will result from the excavation
of the intake as the works are located at a sufficient distance from the
church to provide an adequate buffer zone. |
Remarks:
* See Figure 9.1 for the site plan of the temporary works area and Haw Par Mansion, boundary wall and gate at the Eastern Portal Location
* See Figure 9.18 for detailed description of the site hoarding
Operation
Phase
9.7.2 Four built heritage resources were
identified as being located within 50 m of sites where permanent surface
alterations will occur. The details of the impact evaluation are presented in
the table below:
Table 9.3
Evaluation
of impacts associated with the proposed works (Operation phase)
|
Heritage
Resource |
Minimum
distance from works area |
Intervening
landscape |
Potential
impacts |
|
Haw Par Mansion |
20 m |
Stream bed, steep worked slope and elevation difference of > 20 m
(Figure 9.14) |
None. An existing footpath is situated along the northeastern section of the wall and is outside of the permanent site boundary, thus access to the mansion, wall and gate will not be impacted by the operation of the drainage tunnel. As well, existing trees will be retained and additional tree planting will enhance the environment of the site. |
|
Former Haw Par Boundary Wall and Gate |
3 m |
N/A (Figure 9.15) |
None. An existing footpath is situated along the northeastern section of the wall and is outside of the permanent site boundary, thus, access to the mansion, wall and gate will not be affected by the operation of the drainage tunnel. As well, existing trees will be retained and additional tree planting will enhance the environment of the site. |
|
Former Explosive Magazine |
3 m from the retaining wall |
Streambed, hill slope, elevation difference of > 10m (Figure
9.16) |
None, the intake structure will be located in an area where the existing water course has already been artificially channeled. |
|
Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception |
48 m |
Modern
buildings, access road into Cathedral compound and compound area (Figure 9.17) |
None,
as the intake structure will be situated in an existing urban setting and at
a sufficient distance from the building to have no impact on the setting of
the cathedral. |
|
Hop Yat Church |
50 m |
Large
residential block and associated landscaping (Figure 9.10) |
None,
as the intake structure will be situated in an existing urban setting and at
a sufficient distance from the building to have no impact on the setting of
the church. |
9.8 Mitigation Measures
Construction Phase
9.8.1 The following resources
will require mitigation measures to negate adverse impacts arising from the
works during the construction phase;
Table 9.4
Recommended mitigation measures for impacted built heritage
resources (construction phase)
|
Resource |
Impact Assessment |
Mitigation
Recommendation |
|
Haw Par Mansion |
The mansion contains a number of fragile structural and decorative elements that may be damaged by groundborne vibration associated with the engineering works for construction of the tunnel portal. No adverse impacts are predicted for the
construction of the permanent vehicle access ramp. |
A condition survey must be undertaken prior to the commencement of construction works for the tunnel portal. This survey will assess the structural integrity of the building, (with special attention paid to any fragile architectural features) and determine if vibration monitoring or other protective measures will be necessary during the construction phase. Detailed description of the survey is provided in EM &A chapter. No mitigation required. |
|
Boundary Wall and Gate of Haw Par Mansion
Site |
The wall shows evidence of structural deterioration
in the form of cracks and further damage may occur from groundborne vibration
associated with engineering works associated with construction of the tunnel
portal. The gate contains fragile architectural and decorative elements,
which also may be damaged from groundborne vibration associated with the
engineering works for the tunnel portal. |
A condition survey must be undertaken prior to the commencement of construction works for the tunnel portal, to assess the structural integrity of the wall and gate and to determine if vibration monitoring or other protective measures will be necessary during the construction phase. Detailed description of the survey is provided in EM &A chapter. |
|
|
A buffer zone will be required to ensure that the wall and gate are not damaged by machinery operation or related construction activities on the site (during works for both the tunnel portal and the permanent vehicle access ramp). |
A
buffer zone (minimum of 3 m) with an obstruction free access point must be
maintained between the boundary wall/ gate and the temporary works area
(during construction works for both the tunnel portal and the permanent
vehicle access ramp) at all times to enable access for routine maintenance.
The temporary works area will be enclosed by standard DSD site hoarding,
which will provide adequate physical protection to the adjoining built
heritage resources and ensure that the wall and gate are not damaged by
machinery operation or related construction activities. |
|
Former Explosive Magazine of the former Victoria
Barracks; |
|
|
|
Laboratory Block North transverse Magazine A South Transverse Magazine B |
No
adverse impacts will result from the project |
No
mitigation required. |
|
Retaining wall |
The wall does not contain any fragile structural elements, however, damage to the wall was visible in the form of cracks and vegetation growth. Adverse vibration impacts may arise from the excavation of the intake structure. The wall may receive damage from contact with equipment and machinery operations within the works area if an appropriate buffer zone is not provided. |
A condition survey must be undertaken prior to the commencement of construction works, to assess the structural integrity of the wall and the extent of damage from cracks and vegetation growth, to determine if vibration monitoring or other protective measures will be necessary during the construction phase. Detailed description of the survey is provided in EM &A chapter. A buffer zone (minimum of 3 m) with an obstruction free access point must be maintained between the retaining wall and the works area (which will be enclosed by standard DSD site hoarding) for the duration of the construction phase. This will ensure that the wall is not damaged by machinery operation or related construction activities. |
|
Catholic
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception |
No adverse impacts will result from the project. |
No
mitigation required. |
|
Hop
Yat Church |
No
adverse impacts will result from the project. |
No
mitigation required. |
Operation Phase
9.8.2 No
resources will require mitigation measures during the operation phase.
9.9 Environmental Monitoring and Audit
Requirements for Cultural Heritage Resources
9.9.1 Details of the
environmental monitoring and audit programme for impacted cultural heritage
resources are provided below;
Haw
Par Mansion (including boundary wall and gate)
9.9.2 A condition survey must be undertaken by a
qualified professional prior to the commencement of construction works for the
tunnel portal, in order to assess the structural integrity of the mansion, wall
and gate (with special attention paid to any fragile architectural features). A
report containing description of the types of construction, identification of
fragile elements, an appraisal of the condition and a photographic record must
be prepared. The report must also provide an assessment indicating whether
further precautionary measures will be necessary during the construction phase,
and if so provide details for sufficient protective measures, including
monitoring for vibration control to ensure that no damage to the structure and
fabric of the house, wall and gate results from the construction works. The
report must be submitted to AMO for approval before construction activities
commence. Upon approval the contractor shall ensure that the appropriate
monitoring and precautionary measures are put into place. Implementation of the
condition survey and any recommended protective measures will be the
responsibility of the contractor.
9.9.3
The
contractor will also be responsible for ensuring that a buffer zone with a
minimum width of 3 metres and an obstruction free access point is maintained
between the boundary wall/ gate and the temporary works area (during
construction works associated for both the tunnel portal and the permanent
vehicle access ramp). This is to enable access for routine maintenance works on
the wall and to ensure that the wall is not damaged by machinery operation or
related construction activities. The temporary works area will be enclosed by
standard DSD site hoarding (Figure 9.18).
Former Explosive Magazine of Victoria
Barracks
9.9.4 A condition survey must be undertaken by a
qualified professional prior to the commencement of construction works in order
to assess the structural integrity of the retaining wall and the extent of
damage from cracks and vegetation growth. A report containing a description of
the types of construction, identification of fragile and/or endangered
elements, an appraisal of the condition and a photographic record of the
retaining wall must be prepared. The report must also provide an assessment
indicating whether further precautionary measures will be necessary during the
construction phase, and if so provide details for sufficient protective
measures, such as monitoring for vibration control, to ensure that no damage to
the retaining wall results from the construction works. The report must be
submitted to AMO for approval before construction activities commence. Upon
approval the contractor shall ensure that the appropriate monitoring and
precautionary measures are put into place. Implementation of the condition
survey and any recommended protective measures will be the responsibility of
the contractor.
9.9.5 The contractor will also be responsible for
ensuring that a buffer zone with a minimum width of 3 metres and an obstruction
free access point is maintained between the retaining wall and the temporary
works area (for the duration of the construction phase). The works area will be
enclosed by standard DSD site hoarding.
9.10 Conclusions
9.10.1 The works associated with proposed
drainage tunnel will have no impact on terrestrial or marine archaeological
resources, cultural or historical landscapes or historical graves. Four built
heritage resources were identified as falling within the 50 m Study Area of the
project. Two of these resources, i.e. the Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate
Conception on Caine Road and the Hop Yat Church on Bonham Road, were found to
be located at sufficient distance from the works that no adverse impacts would
result from the project during either the construction or operation phases. Two
other resources (located within close proximity to works areas) will require
mitigative measures during the construction phase to ensure that they will
receive adequate protection against the identified adverse impacts. These
resources are the Haw Par Mansion, wall and gate and the Former Explosive
Magazine of the Victoria Barracks.
References
AMO file AM93 – 0526
AMO file AM99 – 0956
Bard, S.M. (1988) In
Search of the Past. Urban Council, Hong Kong
Rodwell, S. (1992) Historic
Hong Kong. Odyssey, Hong Kong.
Siu, A, K.K. and Sum, S (eds) (2001) Heritage Trails in Urban Hong Kong. Man
Lee
Book Shop, Hong Kong.
Tang, M.H. et al
(1988) Historical Hong Kong Walks.
The Guidebook Company, Hong Kong.