A launch ceremony for the construction of the Tseung Kwan O Heritage Hiking Trail and the Heritage Information Centre under the Signature Project Scheme (SPS) of Sai Kung District was held today (April 24). Organised by Sai Kung District Council (SKDC) and the Sai Kung District Office at Duckling Hill in Tseung Kwan O, the ceremony marked the commencement of the two SPS projects in Sai Kung District. The launch ceremony of another SPS project in Sai Kung District, the reconstruction of Sharp Island Pier, was held late last month.

     To enhance district administration, the Chief Executive announced in the 2013 Policy Address the implementation of the SPS to support one or two large scale SPS projects proposed by the District Councils to address the needs of the districts. After discussion and public consultation, the SKDC endorsed two projects, one of which is the construction of the Tseung Kwan O Heritage Hiking Trail and the Heritage Information Centre. This project comprises the following works items: the Tseung Kwan O Heritage Information Centre and Hostel, the Tseung Kwan O Heritage Hiking Trail, and a permanent public toilet at Duckling Hill. The project is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of 2018.

     Regarding the Tseung Kwan O Heritage Information Centre and Hostel, the former Tiu Keng Leng Police Station (TKLPS) at Po Lam Road South will be refurbished into a Heritage Information Centre to enable local residents and visitors to learn about the unique development history of Tseung Kwan O. To generate revenue to cover the operating costs of the centre, the former staff quarters next to the former TKLPS will be converted into a hostel. The centre and the hostel will be managed and operated by the partner organisation, the Haven of Hope Christian Service, on a non-profit-making and self-financing basis. The Haven of Hope Christian Service will hire disabled persons to assist in the operation, and will provide them with vocational training opportunities.

     Regarding the Tseung Kwan O Heritage Hiking Trail and a permanent public toilet at Duckling Hill, as Duckling Hill is a hiking hot spot in Tseung Kwan O, it will be connected with Section 3 of the Wilson Trail, the historical Mau Wu Shan Observation Post and the newly converted Heritage Information Centre to become the Tseung Kwan O Heritage Hiking Trail. In response to the needs of the community and for the convenience of hikers, a permanent public toilet will be constructed at Duckling Hill.

     Speaking at the launch ceremony, the Chairman of the Signature Project Scheme Committee under the SKDC, Mr Francis Chau, introduced the development of the SPS Projects of Sai Kung District to the attending guests. He thanked the SKDC, locals, the Haven of Hope Christian Service and various government departments for their support. Through this project, local residents and visitors will be able to learn about the unique history of Tseung Kwan O's development.

     Other officiating guests at the ceremony were the Chairman of the SKDC, Mr Ng Sze-fuk; the Project Manager of the New Territories East Development Office of the Civil Engineering and Development Department, Mr Wong Wai-man; and the District Officer (Sai Kung), Ms Maureen Siu.

Ends/Monday, April 24, 2017
Issued at HKT 15:30

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