(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-01-29 00:00

HONG KONG -- The contract-signing ceremony of the Tamar Development Project was hold here Monday, which means a new landmark will come forth next to Victoria Harbor.

Hong Kong Chief Secretary Henry Tang said at the project's contract-signing ceremony that the complex will be one of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government's greenest facilities.

"Tamar will be an asset shared by all Hong Kong people. Half of this precious land will be allocated as public open space," he said.

The project contains a large number of green features such as solar electricity panels, an automatic refuse-collection system, seawater-cooled chillers and green roofs. The open space amounts to two hectares and the north-south landscaped "green carpet" will maximize public accessibility to the waterfront.

Landscaping measures including an extensive lawn, tree plantations, water basins and a lily pond will also be featured. A civic piazza, sculpture court and amphitheater will provide venues for different activities.

The HKSAR government issued a letter of acceptance to the Gammon-Hip Hing Joint Venture on January 9 for the 4.94 billion Hong Kong dollars (63.33 million US dollars) contract which covers the design and construction of the Central Government Complex, Legislative Council Complex, open space, two covered footbridges and other ancillary facilities.

Construction is due to begin in mid-February for completion in 2011. It will engage more than 3,000 workers.