Damage to Hong Kong’s Legislative Council caused by protesters on July 1 will cost more than HK$40 million to repair, says boss Andrew Leung

Legco president optimistic the vandalised building can be restored in time for new legislative year

Hundreds stormed the complex on anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese sovereignty, spray-painting graffiti and bringing down security systems

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The damage caused by vandals during the July 1 storming of the Legislative Council in Admiralty is set to cost at least HK$40 million to repair, according to the legislature’s estimate. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 4:03pm, 31 Jul 2019Updated: 10:45pm, 31 Jul 2019

The cost of repairing the damage inflicted by protesters to Hong Kong’s Legislative Council on July 1 would amount to more than HK$40 million (US$5 million), according to its chief.

The legislature’s president Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen also said he remained hopeful the works could be completed by mid-October, in time for Legco’s scheduled return to business and Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s third Policy Address.

“October would be an ambitious target. We will monitor the situation, and I am optimistic at this stage,” he said on Wednesday.

Leung also urged Hong Kong people to stay calm so the city can move on from the extradition bill crisis, which has led to violent clashes on the streets.

Hong Kong Legislative Council President Andrew Leung inspects the damage to the legislature following the wrecking spree by hard core protesters on July 1. Photo: Nora Tam

“We must not let violence escalate, as we find a political solution … Lawmakers and political leaders should also do their utmost in coming up with a way forward for the city,” he added.

The now-abandoned bill would have allowed the transfer of criminal suspects to mainland China and other jurisdictions with which the city does not have an extradition agreement.