However, the government said earlier that TECL will be allowed to host short-term events and provide catering services during the time a new wheel is installed. "The government must not allow ancillary uses such as events to be opened until there is an operating wheel - only then will there be a primary use," a representative said.
Swiss AEX called for the government to prohibit the new operator from operating ancillary facilities before a new wheel is put up. Sources said the Swiss company had asked for HK$120 million for the wheel, compared to its reported construction cost of HK$200 million. Swiss AEX had been required to vacate the site before October 31, which would have involved removing the wheel and its foundations, composed of more than 3,000 tonnes of concrete and steel. Sources said the companies finally came together yesterday to further discuss the deal, putting an end to the fiasco.Ĭhief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said on Tuesday government officials could try to mediate but have not been authorized to intervene in what she called the unexpected stalemate among different sides. Swiss AEX said in a statement earlier yesterday that the wheel, which was shut down on August 29, will be torn down from its site on the Harbourfront today if no deal is struck. John Mclellan, a son-in-law of Wharf senior counsel Peter Woo Kwong-ching, is a board member of MDME.