Following is a question by Dr the Hon Starry Lee and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (October 22):

Question:

     There are views that with its convenient transport links and scenic view, Hung Hom Ferry Pier (the Pier) has the potential to develop into a waterfront hub integrating transport, leisure, culture and creativity. However, the Pier as a whole is not being used to its full functionality, as evidenced by its upper deck area still being closed to public use, which results in the idling of some facilities and wasting of land resources. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it will examine the utilisation of land and facilities at the Pier and explore introducing more commercial and leisure elements to tie in with the development of the surrounding areas, thereby promoting waterfront economy and community integration;

(2) whether it will consider enhancing the planning interface between the Pier and adjacent waterfront areas, such as through synergistic development with Whampoa, Kowloon City District and Tsim Sha Tsui East, to create a waterfront promenade and commercial circulation route with greater coherence;

(3) regarding the uplift of maritime tourism, whether it will explore how to strengthen the external transport facilities for the Pier, thereby simultaneously enhancing tourism and transport linkages between Hung Hom and Hong Kong Island; and

(4) whether it will consider opening up the upper deck of the Pier for public use and introducing activities of educational and cultural value, such as photo exhibitions showcasing the national achievements in construction, or organisation of youth cultural and creative workshops and music galas, to offer the public a more diverse waterfront experience characterized by a sense of community and a cultural vibe?

Reply:

President,

     To facilitate the daily operation of ferry services, the Government provides ferry piers for most of the licensed ferry routes. Hong Hom Ferry Pier comprises Hung Hom (South) and Hung Hom (North) Ferry Piers, serving the "Central – Hung Hom" licensed ferry route operated by the Fortune Ferry Company Limited and the "North Point – Hung Hom" licensed ferry route operated by the Sun Ferry Services Company Limited respectively.

     The Government has been working closely with the Harbourfront Commission to promote various initiatives to enhance the Victoria Harbourfront, including the harbourfront area in proximity to Hung Hom Ferry Pier, with a view to creating a diversified, vibrant, accessible and inclusive harbourfront space for the public.

     In consultation with the Development Bureau (DEVB) and the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, my reply to the question raised by Dr the Hon Starry Lee is as follows:

(1) To promote harbourfront economy, the Planning Development proposed to the Town Planning Board (TPB) in August 2025 an amendment to the uses within Hung Hom (South) and Hung Hom (North) Ferry Piers on the outline zoning plan concerned by making the uses of "Shop and Services" and "Eating Place" always permitted, so as to streamline the development process and provide flexibility in facilitation of business operations. The Kowloon City District Council and the relevant task force of the Harbourfront Commission have already expressed their support to the proposed amendment.

     The Government has all along encouraged ferry operators to sublet pier premises for purposes such as commercial, retail and event, under the approved land uses to generate non-farebox revenue for cross-subsidising ferry operations and thereby alleviating the pressure on fare increase.

     Regarding Hung Hom Ferry Pier, the Transport Department (TD) has been actively coordinating with various works departments to continuously enhance the pier's facilities, including renovating the toilets and adding barrier-free facilities, so as to expand the pier's development potential and further enhance its capacity for non-fare revenue activities. The Government Property Agency also coordinates the processing of applications for commercial activities at the pier submitted by the operators.

(2) The DEVB is committed to taking forward harbourfront enhancements at Victoria Harbour, including connecting the harbourfront sections and providing quality harbourfront open spaces. At present, the harbourfront between Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier and Laguna Verde in Hung Hom has been fully connected. The DEVB will continue to connect other harbourfront sections in Kowloon, with the target of connecting around 85 per cent (i.e. approximately 13 kilometres) of the developable promenade from Tsim Sha Tsui to Kai Tak by the end of 2028.

     Besides, the site that was previously a public transport interchange near Hung Hom Ferry Pier has already been transformed into the Hung Hom Urban Park, which was fully opened in July this year. A site to the north of the park will be operated by a non-profit-making organisation by way of short-term tenancy for the provision of children's play facilities and opened to the public shortly. The site will provide more leisure facilities and space for hosting different activities, thereby injecting more harmonious and vibrant elements into the harbourfront in Hung Hom.

     At the same time, the DEVB is spearheading the development at the sites around MTR Hung Hom Station and its waterfront areas, and released the preliminary development proposal for the sites in the second quarter of this year. Taking the opportunity of re-planning, the preliminary development proposal includes several measures to strengthen the pedestrian connectivity with a view to driving the co-development of the concerned sites and the nearby areas. These include, for example, building a covered and elevated footbridge spanning to directly connect MTR Hung Hom Station with the harbourfront, constructing a new boardwalk to better connect the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront promenade with the Hung Hom waterfront promenade, as well as enhancing the pedestrian connectivity between the hinterland and waterfront. The DEVB is currently conducting detailed technical assessments for the proposed development so as to finalise the development proposal and detailed development parameters. During the process, the project team will consider the views collected during the public consultation conducted earlier. The aim is to commence the relevant statutory procedures for the project in the second half of 2026. Before commencing the works of the long-term development, the DEVB will make good use of the currently idle former Hung Hom Railway Freight Yard Pier site for short-term use, developing it into a harbourfront space for hosting various activities such that the public may check in and appreciate the 270-degree panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the skyline of Hong Kong Island.

(3) Hung Hom Ferry Pier is situated adjacent to Hung Hom (Hung Luen Road) Public Transport Interchange, and is also only about a 10-minute walk from Whampoa Garden Public Transport Interchange. These interchanges offer franchised bus and green minibus (GMB) services connecting to various districts across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. Regarding transport connectivity between Hung Hom and Hong Kong Island, Hung Hom Ferry Pier offers licensed ferry services of the "North Point – Hung Hom" and "Central – Hung Hom" routes, providing waterborne transport options for the public. In terms of land transport, members of the public may take GMB Route No. 13M (Hung Hom Ferry Pier – Hung Hom Station) from Hung Hom (Hung Luen Road) Public Transport Interchange to MTR Hung Hom Station, and then interchange with the MTR East Rail Line towards Hong Kong Island. Alternatively, passengers may take Cross-Harbour Route No. 115 or 115P (from Laguna Verde to Central (Hong Kong – Macau Ferry Terminal)) at Whampoa Garden Public Transport Interchange to travel to Hong Kong Island. The TD will closely monitor the passenger demand for external public transport services at Hung Hom Ferry Pier and review arrangements with the operators as appropriate.

     Regarding ancillary tourism facilities, Victoria Harbour is one of the most iconic attractions in Hong Kong. Currently, there are some commercially operated aquatic tourism offerings, with sightseeing vessels embarking and disembarking at various landing facilities along both sides of Victoria Harbour for visitors to tour around Victoria Harbour. Some sightseeing vessels even provide dining services, allowing visitors to savour delicacies while enjoying the stunning view of Victoria Harbour and experiencing the unique attractiveness of Hong Kong.

     The Tourism Commission and the Hong Kong Tourism Board will continue to leverage the waterfront promenades and water bodies to develop more mega events and travel experiences, and spare no effort in promoting and facilitating the staging of various tourism mega events and activities along both sides of Victoria Harbour.

(4) Currently, the land uses of the upper deck of Hung Hom Ferry Pier allow the purposes of shops and services. The TD is in active discussions with ferry operators to assist them in opening the upper deck of Hung Hom Ferry Pier for purposes such as commercial, retail or event, etc.

     For the upper deck of Hung Hom (South) Ferry Pier, the ferry operator has identified potential tenants interested in subletting the area for retail and services purposes and is anticipated to submit an application to the Government shortly.

     For the upper deck of Hung Hom (North) Ferry Pier, the ferry operator plans to convert the area for exhibition hall, retail and services purposes, and has obtained conditional approval from the TPB. In this regard, the TD is actively co-ordinating with relevant Government departments and the ferry operator to study the installation of appropriate fire service systems at the pier. The technical study and design are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026, followed with an evaluation of matters such as the details and feasibility of the plan, etc.

     The TD will continue to maintain close communication with the ferry operators regarding the operation and development of Hung Hom Ferry Pier, including encouraging operators to continue utilise the pier to expand non-farebox revenue and consider introducing activities with educational and cultural value where appropriate.

Ends/Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Issued at HKT 12:25

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