Advisers to study relocating IFC ventilation shafts for bypass

Government advisers will consider whether bypass ventilation shafts planned for a site in front of Two IFC can be built elsewhere.

The location of the shafts, which would be enclosed in a building, has drawn resistance from the harbourfront advisers and from IFC's management - although the government is insisting on its original choice.

The harbourfront advisers - members of the Harbourfront Commission - say the structure would have visual and environmental impacts on the neighbourhood. But the government says moving it would delay the bypass and add to its cost.

The 18-metre-high smoke vent will occupy an area of 1,470 square metres in front of Two IFC. It will be one of three ventilation buildings along the 4.5-kilometre bypass, which will run underground along the reclaimed Central harbourfront and is due to open in 2017.

Nicholas Brooke, chairman of the commission, an advisory board made up of representatives from the private sector, NGOs and government departments, said the vents could be better positioned.

'There are many alternative locations ... it is more expensive [to move it] but we can do it. I think we should look at all the options,' he said.

Paul Zimmerman, chief executive officer of Designing Hong Kong and member of the commission, said he was optimistic about relocation.