"Architects" of the new NTS regional headquarters project

Commenting on the decision of the Finance Committee, Mr Lai expressed satisfaction that through the hard work of the Planning and Development Branch project team and officers from NTS RHQs, the Force was able to gain the support of legislators.

He said: "Tremendous effort has been put in to explaining the need to co-locate NTS RHQs and its Operational Units under one roof and in a strategic location within the Region. The new purpose-built complex which will include a shooting range will be constructed on the existing site of the NTS Operational Base and the adjacent vacated Junior Police Officers' Married Quarters at Tsuen Wan.

"The NTS Operational Base was built in 1958 and consists of three low-rise buildings, and currently accommodates the NTS Emergency Unit and some of the Traffic units of the NTS Region. The site is under-utilised and the buildings are in a somewhat dilapidated condition. To maximise land utilization, we will build the new complex on the existing site and relinquish a portion of it to the government. We will also relinquish the site of former Sha Tin Police Station at Tung Lo Wan Hill Road, which now houses the Regional Continuation Training Centre. It will be reprovisioned to Tsuen Wan Divisional Police Station in mid 2002. The purpose-built Regional Headquarters and Operational Base will save travelling time, fuel expenses, manpower, and enjoy economies of scale."

NTS Regional Commander, Mr Mike Dowie said: "The Regional Headquarters and Crime New Territories South are presently located within Ma On Shan Divisional Police Station. The new site will be strategically located to provide enhanced and efficient operational support to all Districts in the Region.

"This is a particularly important project as it will facilitate the projected increase in our policing requirements from many major developments on both Ma Wan Island and Lantau in the next few years, which include the Tung Chung New Town Development, Discovery Bay and the Hong Kong Disneyland. Upon its completion, the new complex will be very well placed to ensure efficient response to emergencies and major incidents, especially to the Chek Lap Kok International Airport and the major tourism development areas on Lantau Island."

NTS Deputy Regional Commander, Mr Tang Kam-moon, added: "The future complex will also be situated in a convenient location well supported by public transport. This will facilitate the interface with members of the public who need to visit Regional Headquarters Formation, including victims and witnesses for crime, traffic and missing person related investigation, persons visiting the Regional Crime Prevention Office for crime prevention seminars, or to view security equipment. Furthermore, prompt arrival at crime scenes by Regional Crime Units is also essential to the effective management and investigation of serious crimes."

Chief Superintendent, Ms Barbara Willison, said: "The project will provide some of the much needed facilities for the Force which are in shortfall, including an additional conventional indoor shooting range with eight associated mini-ranges to cater for standard firearms training.

"The new facilities will obviate the need for officers in the NTS Region to travel to the ranges in NTN and KE Regions for firearms training. Other facilities in the new complex will include a fitness room; a resource centre to provide computerised research facilities for staff; conference, lecture and briefing rooms; changing and night duty rooms, and dining facilities. The complex will also facilitate the use of modern technology and will therefore further improve operational efficiency. The design of the building will be in keeping with modern energy efficiency and conservation standards."

Finally, she wished to express her gratitude for the contributions made by the P&D project team, and Richard Morgan and James Wong Tsz-bun from the NTS RHQs.

The former P&D project team leader Ms Carmen Lo Ka-man, now Tsuen Wan Deputy District Commander, who headed the team consisting of Stephen Chu Chi-pak and Jack Lee Kai-kit, said securing approval for this large and complex major capital works project was the culmination of over two years planning.

"The project has presented major challenges, not the least being the accommodation of such a diverse range of facilities in a single building occupying a site of no more than 6,600 square metres. We are determined to complete the project on time and within budget by mid-2005 to provide an operationally efficient, modern facility with a user friendly environment for our officers and the community," she said.