Town Planning Board announces decision following consideration of representations and comments in respect of draft Kai Tak Outline Zoning Plan
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In general, the TPB considers that the OZP amendments for the Kai Tak development are in line with the recommendations of the Review Study of Kai Tak Development and have been demonstrated technically feasible. Possible refinements to road alignment and suggestions catering to water sports facilities can be accommodated under the existing provisions of the OZP.
In respect of the "Government, Institution or Community" ("G/IC") site earmarked for the proposed Vocational Training Council (VTC) campus development, the TPB generally agrees that the "G/IC" zoning is suitable. The TPB considers that the area of land near the Cha Kwo Ling waterfront is large enough to accommodate both a G/IC facility taking up a development area of 3.2 hectares and open space taking up a total area of 5.2 hectares. The proposed VTC campus serving the young people of Hong Kong is compatible with the objective of enhancing the vibrancy and diversity of the waterfront area. The TPB is content that the proposed VTC development would not give rise to insurmountable technical difficulties.
Noting the public aspiration for an accessible and well-designed waterfront area, the TPB sees potential for enhancing the configuration of the 1 hectare of public open space (POS) to be provided by the VTC and its integration with the open space in the adjoining areas, through, for example, the possible realignment of the access road such that the POS needs not be separated from the proposed soccer pitch. Furthermore, the TPB considers that a more responsive building design and configuration of the VTC campus should be explored at the implementation stage to achieve better integration of the campus with the waterfront in terms of accessibility, connectivity and air and visual permeability. The TPB notes that the draft OZP will not preclude the implementation of such enhancements, if confirmed feasible. The expectations for such enhancements will be suitably stipulated in the Explanatory Statement of the OZP.
The TPB urges the Government to liaise with the VTC to properly address the above suggestions when formulating the detailed design of the open space and the campus development. The TPB also urges the Government to request the VTC to consult the relevant stakeholders including the District Council, the Harbourfront Commission and the local community as well as the Board prior to finalisation of the development scheme, and to set out the appropriate requirements for the design elements in the subsequent land grant conditions.
The draft Kai Tak OZP No. S/K22/5 carries amendments seeking to optimise the development intensity, facilitate preservation of heritage and provide opportunity for water sports and recreation activities on various sites in the Kai Tak City Centre, South Apron and Runway Area, and to rezone a site mainly from "Open Space" and "Other Specified Uses" to "G/IC" at the Cha Kwo Ling waterfront.
Ends/Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Issued at HKT 22:30
Issued at HKT 22:30
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