Burnt-out skyscraper in CCTV compound to be rebuilt

The skyscraper in China Central Television’s (CCTV) US$730 million Beijing complex which was gutted by fire a year ago is to be rebuilt, the Wall Street Journal reported. A joint committee convened by the State Council is this week expected to affirm the structural soundness of the 44-floor Television Cultural Center as part of the final investigation report, clearing the way for major repairs on the building. The blaze, which was started by fireworks landing on the building, apparently caused little enough damage to a concrete interior portion that it can be salvaged. Much of the exterior steel framework is likely to be stripped away. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group said it remains committed to plans agreed before the fire to operate a hotel on the upper floors of the Television Cultural Center. At least 38 people have been arrested or detained as a result of the blaze, including seven CCTV officials.