Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands Michael Suen yesterday pointed out that the government would consider incorporating the former Central Star Ferry Pier design into the new waterfront plan.

Speaking at the Legislative Council Panel meeting on Planning, Lands and works, Suen said government would consider preserving the clock tower of the pier. But, construction works for the Central Reclamation Phase III are "urgent" and the demolition of the Central Star Ferry Pier is a part of the project, he said.

"The demolition of the clock tower will begin in December and the rest will be demolished early next year," said Suen. "The government will try to incorporate them into the infrastructure of the new waterfront."

Suen also noted that the Star Ferry Company has submitted an opinion paper to the LegCo, in which it explained the technical problems in the clock's operations, meaning that it will become dysfunctional even if it is moved.

"Personally, I think it's possible to preserve the clock tower as a backdrop of our collective memories by moving it elsewhere, but there are many technicalities the panel needs to discuss," said Suen.

Legislators, however, expressed concern about how the clock tower will be preserved, if there is no plan for its relocation before its demolition. Legislator Lee Wing-tat urged the government to move the clock tower to another location, as it has done previously with the Murray Building from Central to Stanley.

"The public has been keen on heritage preservation in the last years, as evident in their reaction against the demolition of the Central Police Station and other buildings," said Lee. "I believe they will support the move despite the expenses."

Corroborating Lee, legislator Chan Wai-yip said that the consultation on the Central Reclamation was initiated in 1999, but public opinions triggered changes in the issue in the last few years.

"It's not too late to rethink the issue now," said Chan.

Suen reiterated that there has been active participation from the public throughout the consultation and the government has revised its policies in response to popular demand. "I believe the public has had its say and we've been responsive," he said.