Posted 30 Oct 2009

Beijing’s CCTV tower can be repaired after a fire that gutted the state-of-the-art structure during Chinese New Year celebrations in February, it has been asserted.

In news that may be of interest to those taking a gap year in China or volunteering abroad in the country, the tower is not too damaged to remain standing, according to a leading figure on the project.

"The preliminary findings are that the building can be repaired," said architect Ole Scheeren. "It’s still intact and safe. There will mainly be a repair effort, but not a complete rebuilding."

The building, which was due to be completed in 2010, was to provide a base for China Central Television (CCTV).

It constitutes two main buildings, one that was set to feature a hotel and the second – CCTV’s new production centre.

However, an authorised fireworks display arranged by members of the broadcasting company saw the ultra-modern tower set alight, prompting speculations that the whole structure would have to be razed.

Far from being forgotten about following the incident, the burned building became something of a tourist attraction over the summer as hordes of visitors and those on a gap year in China made a point of stopping off there for a snap.

Category: Asia