Expand the Library for '3+3+4'
Preserve the Beacon for Posterity

The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Chronology of Project
March 2005

Application to University Grants Committee (UGC) for library extension as a '3+3+4' project

November 2006

Funding support confirmed by UGC

January 2007

First meeting of Building Committee on Library Extension

  • Tender procedures
June 2007

Second meeting of Building Committee

  • 7 architectural firms presented their technical submissions
  • Some firms stated it is undesirable to have the library extension significantly taller than the Main Library Building
  • One firm proposed to build the library extension over the Library Boulevard or Central Avenue
July 2007

Meeting of Campus Planning Committee

February 2008

Approval of basement extension by UGC and Architectural Services Department

April 2008

Meeting of Library Users Group

  • Presentation of basement option
  • It was mentioned that 'the Square might be closed during the construction period, but the outlook of the Square should remain the same after the construction of the basement.'
April - June 2008

Re-tendering of extension work

June 2008

Fourth meeting of the Building Committee

  • 6 architectural firms presented their technical submissions
September 2008

Appointment of Aedas Limited as project architect

October 2008

Fifth meeting of Building Committee

  • Presentation of initial design by Aedas
  • Confirmed the University Square would need to be closed down during construction
  • Clear instruction that construction must be less than a year and must not disrupt Congregation
  • The University Square including the Beacon, the Forum and the Bushes have to be reinstated after the construction of the basement is completed
February 2009

Meeting of Library Users Group

Library Extension