The funding approval followed a meeting of the Public Works Sub-Committee on May 29, which was attended by the Director of Finance, Administration and Planning Ng Sek-hon, Hong Kong Island Regional Commander Hung Hak-wai, and Planning and Development Branch Chief Superintendent Barbara Willison.

The approval is very significant as it facilitates the permanent reprovisioning of the CDIST HQ and CDIV from their present site and will also ensure that the Wan Chai District Headquarters (WCHDIST HQ) and Wan Chai Division (WCHDIV) can move to the Arsenal House Complex as originally planned.

The new purpose-built building will in fact be an annex block constructed next to the existing Waterfront Division (WFDIV). Construction works are scheduled to commence in January 2007 for completion in November 2009. It is anticipated that the building will be ready for occupation by early 2010. Completion of this project will also allow the amalgamation of CDIV and WFDIV, thus resulting in improved efficiency, better use of resources and cost-effectiveness.

The new building has been planned and developed for the present organisational structure and establishment of the CDIST HQ and CDIV. It will facilitate the use of modern technology, and therefore further improve operational efficiency. The design of the building will be environmentally friendly in keeping with the latest energy efficiency and conservation standards.

Facilities in the new building will include, amongst others, a fitness training room, resource centre, district operations room, conference or discussion rooms, briefing room, lecture and training room, changing and operational standby rooms, and video interview rooms. To cater for the unique operational features of CDIST, a major events operation room will be provided to accommodate other police units and personnel from government departments participating in large-scale crowd management and public order events, as well as other significant operations. The facilities will be shared while some facilities currently provided in the existing WFDIV, such as the armoury and canteen, will be modified or enlarged.

Upon the permanent reprovisioning of CDIST HQ and CDIV and WCHDIST HQ and WCHDIV into purpose-built facilities, the Force will demonstrate determination to provide quality services and enhanced facilities for the community, as well as better facilities for its staff.