A detailed inspection of the entire structure of the “Glass House” at Tap Seac Square has been completed. The Cultural Affairs Bureau (CAB) will now submit this building to a comprehensive maintenance treatment and aims to wrap up the entire initiative in the second quarter of 2014. With the goal of enabling cultural and creative entities to begin preparations for a move to the building, the Bureau plans to seek out cultural and creative organisations willing to invest in it and will solicit applications from them at the end of this year.
The five-storey Glass House at Tap Seac Square is a relatively large building for the district and considered an important facility for the revitalisation of the Tap Seac area and the St. Lazarus Parish. The Cultural Affairs Bureau plans to develop the Glass House into a flagship, multi-functional space for the cultural and creative industries of Macao. Local cultural and creative organisations are eligible to apply to move into the building. It is designed to house galleries, cultural and creative shops, bookstores, restaurants and other facilities, providing venues for exhibitions and workshops. The Bureau is striving to open the Glass House by the end of next year.
Upon taking over the Glass House, the Cultural Affairs Bureau immediately conducted a multi-phase inspection. Approximately one third of its internal space has a water leakage issue, which has not only damaged the electrical supply system but has affected operations on each floor. The basement, in particular, suffered from extensive water damage. To prevent any further deterioration due to water leaks, the Bureau implemented a temporary waterproofing measure last year. Meanwhile, the CAB also conducted a comprehensive inspection of the whole property, including the building’s structure, electrical installations and ventilation and fire systems.
The inspection report indicates that the primary cause of the water leakage was long-term blockage and rupture of a majority of the drains. A portion of the electromechanical system and electrical installations had deteriorated and were no longer operational. In addition, some pipes had corroded and mould had begun to grow on the walls and ceilings. In response to the inspection report, the Cultural Affairs Bureau is currently undertaking comprehensive maintenance work to tackle the existing problems in a series of phases and restore the building and its internal structures and systems to perfect and safe conditions. The CAB aims to complete the entire project by the second quarter of 2014.
In recent years, the policy of the S.A.R. Government has been to promote the development of local cultural and creative industries. The Cultural Affairs Bureau provides the public with cultural and creative initiatives and assists in the promotion and development of Macao’s cultural and creative industries through the re-planning and re-use of existing spaces and resources. The Bureau will continue to co-operate with various other units and organisations to integrate the Region’s usable spaces and resources, transforming them into a city-wide exhibition and sales platform for Macao’s cultural and creative products. This will facilitate the establishment of the local cultural and creative industries’ reputation, and create a cultural and creative atmosphere and social environment.
