Flag-raising marks the move to Tamar
The Standard
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
The first batch of officials have moved into the government's new HK$5 billion headquarters at Tamar.
A flag-raising ceremony was held yesterday morning to mark the event with staff from the Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau having the honor of being first in.
Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Andrew Wong Ho-yuen said he is pleased his staff of 100 were the first into the new building and believes they will quickly adapt to the new environment.
"My colleagues are happy to be the first to move into the new complex with its modern facilities. I believe they will enjoy working here," he said.
Wong said amenities seem to be working properly and while construction work continues in other parts of the complex, his staff are able to access the building through a footbridge.
He said he understands there may be some hiccups but there are no safety issues at present.
The office, which is now on the 23rd floor of the West Wing of the new complex, was formerly at Pacific Place.
An employee, who did not reveal her name, said the new environment is good and the office is well equipped.
"It is much better than our previous office. And there is little noise from the continuing construction work," she said.
About 120 civil servants in total have moved to the Tamar complex, a waterfront office tower in Admiralty.
Other government departments are expected to move in before the end of this year. Work began on the complex in February 2008. The offices can accommodate about 3,200 staff.
The new headquarters is under the Tamar Development Project, which includes the Legislative Council Complex. About half of the Tamar site will be dedicated to public open space where community events can be held.