13th January 2025 – Hong Kong – Former Chief Executive Carrie Lam has announced that her office will relocate from Pacific Place in Admiralty to the 23rd floor of the former Immigration Tower in Wan Chai. This move follows the upcoming expiration of the lease at Pacific Place in May, which cost the government over HK$10 million in its first two years.
The decision is a major cost-saving measure. Lam has expressed approval of the new arrangement, which will allow her to continue her work while reducing rental expenses. The former Immigration Tower, which has been vacant since the Immigration Department moved its headquarters to Tseung Kwan O, is available for at least three more years.
The Wan Chai building, completed in 1989, is 177 meters tall and has 49 floors. Although plans had originally called for the building to remain in use until 2026, Lam’s office will now occupy the space after renovations are completed, likely before the Pacific Place lease expires.
Lam’s previous office at Pacific Place had attracted criticism due to its high annual rental cost of about HK$5.67 million. This figure was notably higher than the offices used by her predecessors, which were located in government-owned heritage buildings. The Pacific Place office had been chosen for hosting dignitaries and media events, with officials arguing that the location met security and hospitality needs.
When asked about the cost of the Pacific Place office, Lam had stated that the arrangement was approved by the Legislative Council’s Finance Committee but declined to comment directly on the rental expenses. With her new office, Lam aims to handle her post-office responsibilities in a more cost-effective manner.
Related topics:
