Details of the resettlement program for Peking University's northeast area of campus will be announced Tomorrow, said Peking University spokesman, Zhao Weimin, in an interview with the Beijing News on Monday.

The demolition of one-storey houses, shanties and other temporary buildings will make way for the construction of a new international mathematics research center. It is anticipated that this key development will assist the university to gain recognition as one of the world's top seats of learning.

The resettlement program has been given the "green light" by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage in Beijing. This has been reported to Mayor Wang Qishan and the project now awaits his signature.

This is the largest campus resettlement project since the establishment of Peking University and covers three areas – the Langrun and Jingchun gardens and Quanzhai Building. The two gardens date back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The Quanzhai Building was built in the 1920s by John Leighton Stuart, the first president of Yanjing University, the predecessor of Peking University.

Concerns have been raised in some areas at the continued erosion of the traditional layout of the campus.

"This resettlement project will not involve demolition of ancient buildings," said Mr Zhao. "On the contrary it will restore their original look. Cultural relics and their environment will be preserved," he said.

The project is due for completion on January 9, 2007 and the construction of the Beijing International Mathematics Research Center is due to be finished by the end of the same year.

The University has entrusted Tsinghua University School of Architecture to undertake the project. Professor Lu Zhou of the Cultural Relic Protection and Design Institute from the School of Architecture leads the team. The University has setup a resettlement working group led by Vice President Chen Wenshen.

A previous public notice indicated that a "resettlement investigation" for residents would start after February 13. However, this has been delayed by the winter holidays.

Zhao said further information on compensation and resettlement arrangements for residents would be released at tomorrow's press conference.

(China.org.cn by Li Shen, February 15, 2006)