New NTS HQ & OB completed |
||
After years of planning and development, the new purpose-built New Territories South Regional Headquarters(NTS HQ) and Operational Base(OB) at No. 8, Shing Mun Road, Tsuen Wan, was completed in May this year. Moving in of units will commence in September and the complex will become fully operational towards the end of the year. Funding for the project was secured in May 2002. Construction commenced in December in the same year, and with the persistence and professionalism of the works agents (the Architectural Services Department), design consultant, Project Implementation Team of NTS, Planning and Development Branch (P&D), and all the internal units of the Force, the first project to use the "Design and Build" procurement approach (pre-qualified tenderers responsible to design and construct to a predetermined extent, in compliance with the requirements made by the user department on advice by the Architectural Services Department which will carry out the contract-management duty) has now become a reality from the original vision. The situation whereby New Territories South operational units are scattered in various districts with Regional Headquarters staff temporarily accommodated in Ma On Shan Police Station, will no longer exist upon the reprovisioning of the units into the new complex. All regional operational units will be housed under one roof in the geographically strategic location of Tsuen Wan. This will enhance operational effectiveness with an improved line of command and more immediate support from the Regional Headquarters. The project will also facilitate the projected increase in policing requirements as a result of the many major developments on both Ma Wan Island and Lantau. When the new complex comes into operation, it will greatly enhance police response to emergencies and major incidents, particularly those which will occur in Kwai Chung, the Chek Lap Kok International Airport, and the major tourist attractions on Lantau Island. Easy accessibility by public transport will also ensure a better interface with members of the public. From the aesthetic point of view, the design envelope reflects a contemporary look. This functional building, consisting of a 16-storey Tower Block and a Podium Block (with vehicle parking and an indoor shooting range), adopts modern technology with the use of optical fibre cables and computer flooring, proactively facilitates future information technology and telecommunication developments and caters for future operational requirements. Energy saving and provision of a good working environment are two important design considerations. Curtain walls with sun shading devices are provided to maximise sunlight and at the same time reduce the direct heat gain. The full-height glazed partitions with built-in venetian blinds along the corridor side of periphery rooms, enhance daylight illumination to infiltrate deeper into the building interior. The building services have been purposely designed to enhance operations of the building services facilities for energy saving purposes. Office lighting is controlled by motion detectors, whilst room temperature is automatically adjusted by controlled exhaust fans through solar-sensors. The project has presented major challenges for the P&D project team. However, the new building has been built to achieve an optimum operational efficiency level, with reliable functionality, in a cost-effective manner.
|
||
<<Back to News>> <<Back to Top>> |