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The Director of Planning, Mr Ling Kar-kan, speaking at the prize presentation ceremony for the design ideas competition of the Urban Design Study for the Wan Chai North and North Point Harbourfront Areas (the Study) held today (June 11), said, "Victoria Harbour is a precious asset of our city. The Planning Department (PlanD) strives to make our harbour attractive, vibrant and accessible. The new Wan Chai North and North Point harbourfront is an important component of the harbour. Through various public engagement activities, we look forward to working with the community to create a harbourfront that represents Hong Kong."
The PlanD today launched the Stage 2 Public Engagement for the Study to gauge the community's views on the harbourfront enhancement proposals. Members of the public are invited to participate.
In the Stage 1 Public Engagement held last year, the views collected suggested that the public in general support the overall vision developed for the new harbourfront - "New Wan Chai North Point Harbourfront: an urban harbourfront reconnecting people to the water."
Taking into account public views, the study team has formulated the harbourfront enhancement proposals to guide future developments and enhancements along the waterfront. Particular attention has been paid to maintaining the local character and heritage, enhancing vibrancy, adopting user friendly design, promoting pedestrian connectivity, addressing parking and loading/unloading requirements.
The following design concepts have been developed for the proposed five character precincts:
(1) The "Celebration Precinct" will strengthen the identity and ceremonial significance of Golden Bauhinia Square by way of a proposed Celebration Plaza with a facelift for enjoyment by local residents and tourists. With the enhancement measures, the City View Plaza in front of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will continue to be a popular venue for appreciating the panoramic harbour view and the fireworks. Visitors could also enjoy the beautiful scenery of the sunset at the Sunset Plaza in the west.
(2) In the "Pierside Precinct", an amphitheatre design will be adopted in the Harbourfront Performance Area, which could hold large scale local and international events with spectacular Victoria Harbour as a scenic backdrop. The Gourmet Dining Square nearby will provide quality waterfront gourmet and dining facilities to reinforce Hong Kong's reputation as a dining paradise and a premier tourist destination.
(3) In the "Water Sports & Recreation Precinct", we have made use of the water basin offered by the ex-Public Cargo Working Area to include water sports and recreation activities for public enjoyment. The precinct will showcase new water recreation concepts and shared use of various water-related activities. The whole precinct will adopt a flexible design to allow for the hosting of international water sports events.
(4) In the "Revitalised Typhoon Shelter Precinct", a floating restaurant and sampan service will be reintroduced as a continuation of the cultural heritage of the typhoon shelter. In addition, the northern breakwater could be enhanced by adding boardwalk, cantilevered viewing decks and proper landing steps for public access.
(5) The "East Coast Park Precinct" will provide diverse features such as the Extreme Park with skating and BMX facilities, an outdoor gym area, a children's play area and pet playground. A spacious multi-purpose lawn space will allow flexibility for various activities such as tai chi and yoga to take place.
The Stage 2 Public Engagement will last until August 20. Major activities include roving exhibitions, public workshops and consultations with relevant District Councils. Details of the activities and public engagement documents are available on the Study's website (www.wcnnpuds.hk). Members of the public are invited to send in their comments via:
Post : PlanD, Studies and Research Section,
16/F, North Point Government Offices,
333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong
Fax : 2522 8524
Email : info@wcnnpuds.hk¡@
Ends/Saturday, June 11, 2016
Issued at HKT 17:20
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