AN extra $36 million is to be spent upgrading the building which is to house the territory's archives.
Officials were so impressed by the similar facilities in Britain and Sweden, they want the archives to be housed in larger, guarded, acclimatised surroundings.
The original 41,340 square foot fan-shaped design has been replaced by a more efficient 71,000 square foot rectangular purpose-built office. The total cost will now be $85.6 million.
The proposed changes were recommended by a group of three officials on their return from a 10-day overseas tour, which cost $91,200.
Upgrading the building will push back the completion of the public records office by a year - from early 1997 to November 1997.
Archives are temporarily being kept in an industrial building in Tuen Mun.