Nothing strange to see here, the HK government tried to assure residents, after revealing previously undisclosed areas at the West Kowloon express rail terminus, following media reports revealing a so-called “secret” basement level.
The announcement followed reports revealing the existence of the so-called “secret” basement level, B5, which is under the B4 Platform Level.
After the reports, the government on Tuesday confirmed the existence of the B5 area at the soon-to-officially-open station, but dismissed suggestions it was mysterious or was covered up.
It contained plant rooms for utilities and a service corridor and was “not for passenger use” and “not within the mainland port area”.
That’s the prospect making people so jumpy.
The controversial “co-location” arrangement — which started on Tuesday — means mainland officials have complete jurisdiction over some 105,000 square metres of the station known as the “special port area.”
In the wake of the reports of B5, Carrie Lam requested officials make an effort to respond to queries about the site to allay further fears.
And thus, last night, the government released a statement detailing four “back of house” areas between levels.
Covering a total of 27,300 square meters, they will be used for offices, utilities like ventilation, air-conditioning, waste collection and switch rooms, as well as dining rooms.
Also not subject to mainland jurisdiction and managed by the MTR corporation, they serve too as routes for rescue and evacuation.
They include:
- B1M level above the B1 Ticketing Hall;
- B2H level above the B2 Arrival Level;
- B3M/B3H level above the B3 Departure Level;
- B4M level above the B4 Platform Level.
The opening ceremony to mark the commissioning of the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link will be held on September 22.
Probs won’t include a tour of the super mysterious secret floors.
