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LCSD revises Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront Revitalisation Plan
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     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has decided to revise the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront Revitalisation Plan (the Plan) by adopting a simple design for the Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade (the Promenade), and maintain the area as a passive public open space, an LCSD spokesman said today (February 17).

     The design of the Promenade is revised in response to views collected during the public engagement exercise held from September to November 2015 in which the majority of the respondents supported the Plan but wished to have fewer structures to be built on the Promenade so that people can stroll on a more spacious area and enjoy unobstructed views of Victoria Harbour. Respondents also expressed the wish to shorten the period during which the Promenade had to be closed for renovation.

     In view of the revised design, the LCSD has notified the Town Planning Board (TPB) of its decision not to proceed with the works which are the subject of the application as approved by the TPB on August 21, 2015.

     Under the simplified design which requires no further TPB approval, the Promenade will continue to be public open space primarily for passive amenities. All trees will be retained. Apart from an existing structure managed by the LCSD for a food and beverage outlet, no additional structure, such as the originally proposed film gallery, observation decks and extra food and beverage outlets, will be built. Only basic improvement works will be carried out, including refurbishment of dilapidated railings and floor tiles, while ancillary facilities will be upgraded, such as the provision of additional parking spaces for coaches and a new toilet block. Upon completion of these works, the Promenade will continue to be managed by the LCSD.

     For the existing Avenue of Stars and Salisbury Garden, in addition to the necessary maintenance works, green features and outdoor seating will be added with a view to transforming the area into a vibrant public open space with rich cultural ambience and enhancing their synergy with the neighbouring cultural facilities such as the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Mobile food trucks or refreshment kiosks might also be considered in future to provide simple food and beverages.

     With the adoption of a simple design, the period during which the Promenade has to be closed for renovation is expected to be considerably reduced by about half from the originally planned duration of more than two years, which will also meet public aspirations and alleviate the inconvenience caused by the works.

     "We are committed to working with the Harbourfront Commission and the relevant District Councils to enhance the waterfront areas at Tsim Sha Tsui East as well as in other districts for enjoyment by both local residents and visitors," the LCSD spokesman said.

Ends/Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Issued at HKT 15:01

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