POLICE Commissioner Eddie Hui Ki-on yesterday defended a $3.2 billion plan to redevelop police headquarters in Wan Chai, saying the move was cost-effective.
The police chief insisted the new 43-storey building will use less land, allowing the force to return 7,516 square metres of land - currently occupied by Caine House, Wan Chai police station and police quarters - to the Government.
Force bosses had been criticised by legislators last week over what they claimed was the luxurious nature of the development.
But Mr Hui countered, saying: 'The proposed new police headquarters is not a luxury project as alleged.
'It is modern and will meet the needs of the police force now and in the future.' On Wednesday, legislators at the Legco public works sub-committee meeting questioned the need for many of the planned facilities in the new headquarters.
The new complex, which is to replace three ageing blocks in Arsenal Street, will include an armoury, indoor firing range, auditorium, barber's shop, several catering areas and officers' lounges.