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The Planning Department today (May 3) launched the Stage 1 Public Engagement for the Urban Design Study for the New Central Harbourfront.
The objectives of the consultancy study are to refine the urban design framework of the Central Harbourfront and to prepare planning/design briefs for key development sites in the area to guide their future design and development. The locations and design ideas for reconstructing the old Star Ferry Clock Tower and reassembling Queen's Pier are also examined.
"Our vision is to create a world-class waterfront which is vibrant, attractive, accessible and symbolic of Hong Kong," a spokesman for the Planning Department said.
"We will work together with the community in the study process and incorporate their views and suggestions through an open, transparent and collaborative public engagement process," he said.
In the Stage 1 Public Engagement, we invite public views on the urban design objectives, urban design issues and sustainable design assessment framework for the new Central Harbourfront. These will provide input to the subsequent phases of the study with a view to building community consensus.
"We also aim to explore with the community the possible alternative concepts for reconstructing the old Star Ferry Clock Tower and reassembling Queen's Pier," the spokesman said.
There are many possibilities in reconstructing the old Star Ferry Clock Tower and reassembling Queen's Pier. To facilitate public discussion, the study consultant has proposed four alternative concepts to illustrate the various ideas. They include reassembling Queen's Pier at the original location; reassembling Queen's Pier near the original location; an axial approach by aligning Queen's Pier, Clock Tower and City Hall Precinct; or a functional approach by integrating the Queen's Pier with Piers 9 and 10. For the Clock Tower, it is proposed to stand as a focal point of the harbourfront along a key pedestrian corridor with convenient access.
"These alternative concepts are not exhaustive. We welcome views and other ideas from the public," the spokesman said.
Details of the proposed urban design objectives and urban design issues relating to the Central Harbourfront and the possible locations and design ideas of the Star Ferry Clock Tower and Queen's Pier are provided in a bilingual pamphlet published today for public information. A web-page on the study has been set up on the Planning Department's website to facilitate dissemination of information to the public and receiving public views.
"We intend to complete the Stage 1 Public Engagement on June 30. During the period, a Focus Group Workshop mainly for the participation of professional and academic institutions and a Community Engagement Forum for the general public and relevant stakeholders are scheduled for the afternoons of May 5 and 12 respectively. The Town Planning Board, the Harbour-front Enhancement Committee and the relevant District Councils will also be engaged in the study.
"Public comments received during this period will provide input to our consultant in working towards the refinement of the urban design framework for the Central Harbourfront. A sustainability assessment and air ventilation assessments will be undertaken in the process," the spokesman said.
"On the basis of public views, the study consultant will draw up urban design concepts and guidelines for key development sites, and recommend the locations and design ideas for reconstructing the old Clock Tower and reassembling Queen's Pier for the next stage of public engagement in the later part of the year, while the entire study will last until the end of 2007, " he said.
People can visit the Planning Department's website (http://www.pland.gov.hk) for more details of the Stage 1 Public Engagement for the Urban Design Study for the New Central Harbourfront.
Public views and suggestions are welcome. They can be sent before June 30 by post: Special Duties Section, Planning Department 15/F North Point Government Offices 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong (Ref: Urban Design Study for the New Central Harbourfront); by fax: 2577 3075; or by email: sdpd@pland.gov.hk.
Ends/Thursday, May 3, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:30
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