LCQ1: Round-the-Island Trail
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Question:
The Chief Executive proposed in the 2022 Policy Address the development of a "Round-the-Island Trail" (Island Trail) on Hong Kong Island to connect a number of promenades and countryside walking trails between the northern part of Hong Kong Island and the Southern District. To date, 85 per cent of the Island Trail has been connected. Regarding further improvements to its connectivity and accessibility, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) as it is learnt that a number of waterfront sites in the Central and Western District have not been designated as land for the waterfront promenade due to operational needs or private ownership, etc, whether the Government has studied extending the waterfront promenade to these sites; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that, and whether it will conduct such studies;
(2) as there are views pointing out that the road section outside New Praya in Kennedy Town lacks a footpath for public use, and the entrance to Belcher Bay Promenade is separated by a bus terminus and obstructed by old trees, whether the Government will construct a boardwalk along the waterfront of the praya to connect the waterfront spaces on both sides, so as to enhance the accessibility of the Island Trail; if so, of the details and timetable; if not, the reasons for that; and
(3) of the works progress of the uncompleted road sections of the waterfront promenade in the southern part of Hong Kong Island, and the respective construction timetables?
Reply:
President,
The "Round-the-Island Trail" (the Trail) spans approximately 60 kilometres, connecting the harbourfront promenades on the northern shore of Hong Kong Island and a number of existing promenades and countryside walking trails in the Southern District. The project commenced in phases since 2023 to expedite the connection of the missing links of the Trail and improve some of the existing sections. So far, 85 per cent of the Trail has been connected , with the target of connecting 90 per cent of the Trail within next year and completing the remaining works by the end of 2031.
The reply to the various parts of the question is as follows:
(1) Following the opening of the Eastern Section of the East Coast Boardwalk last month, the approximately 13-kilometre long harbourfront from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan has now been connected. Regarding the waterfront sites in the Central and Western District, most of them are connected in the form of promenades. While certain waterfront sites cannot offer promenades due to reasons such as operational needs or private ownership, pedestrian links are provided in the vicinity of the sites which connect to the adjacent waterfront areas. These sites in the Central and Western District are as follows:
(i) Shun Tak Centre: The lot is privately owned and primarily used for vehicular access at-grade. Pedestrian links are available in the vicinity which connect to other waterfront areas. However, these paths are rather circuitous involving several pedestrian walkways surrounding the Shun Tak Centre and crossing roads, or taking a nearby footbridge and through the Centre's shopping mall. The Government will continue to liaise with the landowner to explore options for enhancing the at-grade pedestrian access at this location.
(ii) Western District Public Cargo Working Area (WDPCWA): Part of the waterfront areas within the WDPCWA was previously released and converted to the Belcher Bay Promenade which has been popular among the public. It is necessary to continue using the remaining areas for loading, discharging and handling sea cargoes, serving the districts of Hong Kong Island west and outlying islands. The WDPCWA accounts for about 10 per cent of the total cargo handling volume of all public cargo working areas in Hong Kong. At the rear of the WDPCWA, pedestrian walkways are now available, connecting the promenade at both ends of the WDPCWA. To enhance accessibility and visitors' experience, the Development Bureau is carrying out beautification works on this pedestrian road section, including enhancing outdoor installations and wayfinding signage, which are expected to be completed in the first quarter of this year.
(iii) China Merchants Wharf: The lot is also privately owned. There is a pedestrian walkway on Sai Ning Street behind the wharf which connects the promenade on both sides of the private lot. Although currently the lot is primarily used as warehouse and pier, it has been rezoned under the relevant Outline Zoning Plan for integrated development of commercial, leisure, and tourism related uses, paving the way for the owner to change the land use through redevelopment. The concerned owner shall provide promenade along the waterfront for public use when undertaking redevelopment. The Government stands ready to discuss with the owner the feasible options put forward, with a view to providing more harbourfront spaces.
(2) To provide a safe and relaxing experience for visitors to enjoy the sunset view at the New Praya, Kennedy Town, we are considering utilising the streamlined mechanism under the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance amended last year to construct a boardwalk or seawall along the waterfront areas through small-scale reclamations or other solutions that do not require reclamation to provide pedestrian walkways. We target to put forth proposals for consultation in the second quarter this year. As regards the entrance to the Belcher Bay Promenade, although it is adjacent to a bus terminus and some large trees, as mentioned by the Hon Judy Chan, the road space meets the accessibility requirements and does not affect the overall connectivity. We will keep in view its usage and explore the feasibility to undergo enhancement with relevant departments from time to time.
(3) Projects which the Government completed last year in the Southern District to connect the Trail include the footbridge connecting the Cyberport Road and Waterfall Bay Park and the new walking trail between South Bay Beach and Chung Hom Kok Road. The walking trail construction between Tai Tam Road near Pacific View and Lo Fu Shan Catchwater, as well as the beautification works at Hairpin Beach open space, will be completed in the second and third quarters this year respectively. In addition, construction of two walking trail sections will commence this year, connecting Cape D'Aguilar Road to Shek O Beach, and Victoria Road to Sandy Bay rocky shore respectively. They will be completed by the end of this year.
After connecting 90 per cent of the Trail by next year, the remaining 10 per cent with a length of about 6 kilometres mainly include sections such as Shau Kei Wan to Heng Fa Chuen, and the following sections in the Southern District: Brick Hill to Mills & Chung Path, Heung Yip Path to Shum Wan Pier Drive, Waterfall Bay Park to Kellett Bay Promenade, etc. These sections involve more technical considerations and complex works, such as slope improvement. We strive to largely complete them by the end of 2031. Regarding the road section along Big Wave Bay Road, where road space is very narrow, given the cost-effectiveness and the impact on nearby residences, it may not be suitable to construct a walking trail there. We are considering alternative proposals, such as rerouting the Trail via Dragon's Back, which has been recognised as Asia's Best Urban Hiking Trail.
In taking forward the Trail or enhancing the waterfront, we have adopted the approach of "tackling the simple issues first before the difficult ones" as well as the "incremental approach", both of which are pragmatic and beneficial to the public. The Development Bureau will continue to follow this approach to provide more popular waterfront spaces and walking trails. Thank you, President.
Ends/Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:15
Issued at HKT 18:15
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