At last we have crossed one final hurdle to on-site works. At the meeting of the Legislative Council’s Finance Committee on 21 February 2014, Ying Wa’s redevelopment project gained approval for an increased funding of $220.7 million (on top of the approved $432.7 million in 2012). With the additional funding secured, the award of contract is expected to take place in March for demolition and construction works to start very soon.

This is the result of the hard work of many parties in a year-long process of tendering procedures, rounds of discussions and negotiations with the authorities, and meticulous preparation for extra funding approvals by 3 respective committees in the Legislative Council.

We are extremely grateful for the dedicated efforts of our project team comprising alumnae and consultants, and the officers in-charge at the Education Bureau and Architectural Services Department, as well as the moral support and assistance of the Ying Wa family.

A ceremony to mark the signing of the Main Contract of the redevelopment will take place at the Founder’s Day Dinner on 21 March 2014. Come and join us at the dinner to witness this significant moment. For details of the event and registration, visit the Alumnae Association website: www.ywgsaa.org.hk/eng/global/home.php .

Out of the generosity of Ying Wa alumna May Chau Chung Man (1988), a fundraising concert has been initiated by her Academy in support of the redevelopment project. A charity Jazz concert entitled Ugo Conta Italian Quintet in Jazz & Brazilian Fantasy will be held on 22 May 2014 (Thursday) at 8:00 pm at the Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre. All proceeds of the concert tickets and CDs will go towards the Redevelopment Fund. The Fundraising Subcommittee has already formed a working team to help promote the event. Details will be announced via the School and Alumnae Association websites.

The Fundraising team has recently explored various creative options of fundraising. These ideas are being further deliberated, in particular on the operational aspect. We will keep you posted once they come into fruition.

As at the end of 2013, donations received amounted to approximately $72.8 million.

A task team under the Communication Subcommittee has started planning for the production of a memorial album that will serve to capture the significant moments, stories and images during the redevelopment process. Some work has already been done including content outlines, design concepts, photo archiving and initial interviews with key persons involved. If you are interested in getting involved in this project or if you have any great photos on the redevelopment to share, you are very welcome to contact us at redevelopment@ywgs.edu.hk.