The present single-storey building at Ma Liu Shui was built in 1983 and originally used as a ferry terminal. Marine Police moved to the location in 1992 to alleviate the serious accommodation shortfall, following Marine's expansion. Despite reprovisioning, due to the structural constraints of the ferry terminal, officers of the Division were housed in overcrowded accommodation, which was far less than their actual space entitlement, and without adequate supporting facilities. The scope of the new project will include the construction of a purpose-built Marine Outer Waters District Headquarters, co-located with the Marine North Division, on the site presently occupied by the latter. The new base will provide essential facilities to ensure that a high standard of police service is delivered to the community. The facilities will include the installation of a 6.5-tonne fixed pillar crane, the provision of a proper vessel repair bay, and workshops for the Front Line Maintenance Office. Construction will commence in late February 2004 and it is due for completion in early 2006.

Commenting on the decision, Marine Regional Commander Mr Cheung Chi-shum expressed his appreciation for the thorough planning work by the Planning and Development Branch project team, and the invaluable contribution by officers from Marine Regional Headquarters and Marine Outer Waters District. The support and assistance from outside agencies, such as Security Bureau, Architectural Services Department and Finance Bureau culminated in an excellent team effort to explicate the need to construct such a purpose-built operational base.

Mr Cheung emphasised: "Marine North Division's existing temporary accommodation is far below acceptable standards, and in a dilapidated condition. Substantial maintenance costs have been incurred to ensure its serviceability. Moreover, the old and deteriorating condition of the building structure has made any attempt to upgrade the information technology system, and the operational facilities therein, difficult and not cost-effective. The Marine Outer Waters District, comprising of Marine North Division, Marine East Division, and Marine West Division, has a large geographical boundary. At present, the Marine Outer Waters District Headquarters is accommodated at Marine East Division at Tui Min Hoi, Sai Kung, a distance of about 45 kilometres and a minimum of one hour's drive from Marine West Division. As Marine North Division Ma Liu Shui Base is situated mid-way between Marine East Division and Marine West Division, relocating the Marine Outer Waters District Headquarters to the Ma Liu Shui Base, will improve operational efficiency, deployment, management and communications within the District, as it will be a more strategic location."

Marine East Division Tui Min Hoi Base was designed to accommodate one division only and not for the co-location of Marine Outer Waters District Headquarters. In the absence of other suitable alternatives, Marine Outer Waters District Headquarters had to move into the Tui Min Hoi Base when it was established. This arrangement deprives Marine East Division of necessary space for operational purposes, resulting in a very small report room and over-crowded office accommodation. With the proposed relocation of Marine Outer Waters District Headquarters to the new Marine North Division Ma Liu Shui Base, valuable space will be released to improve the working environment and operational efficiency of Marine East Division.

The Deputy Regional Commander, Mr Peter Burbidge-King added: "Marine Outer Waters District is responsible for policing the waters on both eastern and western sides of New Territories, including the strategically important north Lantau coastline, the waters surrounding the Hong Kong International Airport, the very busy Urmston Road shipping lane, and the River Trade Terminal and Deep Bay. In the event of a major incident or operation, the District Commander is required to promptly attend the scene and take command of the sea-going duties. By re-locating the Marine Outer Waters District Headquarters, the District Commander and his officers will be able to attend major incidents within the District within 45 minutes. In addition, the rapid infrastructure developments in the northwestern part of the New Territories, including the Deep Bay Link and Lantau Island, have increased the need for Marine Outer Waters District Headquarters to be re-located closer to these key areas. The relocation will enhance the efficient operational support to all Divisions of the District. The project is particularly important for Marine North Division which has been waiting for a new base for many years."

Chief Superintendent of the Planning and Development Branch, Ms Barbara Willison said: "The new building will provide modern accommodation and some of the much needed facilities which are either in shortfall or not available for both Marine Outer Waters District Headquarters and Marine North Division. Facilities in the new operational base will include a lecture and briefing room; a conference room; a resource centre; a fitness room; changing and night duty rooms; and dining facilities. The new base will be a functional building and facilitate the use of modern technology, and therefore further improve operational efficiency and provide an effective and efficient service to the public. The modern purpose-designed and user-friendly building will be energy efficient." Finally, Ms Willison wished to express her gratitude for the contributions made by the P&D project team and officers in Marine Region.

The P&D project team leader, Mr Simon Leung Sai-man, who headed the team consisting of Ms Shirley Chan Mi-ching and Mr Ivan Lam Chung-yin, said securing approval for this capital works project was the culmination of detailed planning over several years. "We are determined to implement the project on time and within budget by early 2006."

Aerial perspective drawing for Marine Outer Waters District HQs and Marine North Division