The Planning Department today (April 11) launches the Stage 2 Public Engagement for the Urban Design Study for the New Central Harbourfront following a ceremony to launch the public exhibition of the study officiated by Mrs Carrie Lam, the Secretary for Development, at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre in Kowloon Park this afternoon.
The Stage 1 Public Engagement of the Urban Design Study for the New Central Harbourfront was held in May last year to invite public views on the urban design objectives, issues and sustainable design assessment framework, as well as possible design ideas for re-assembling Queen's Pier and reconstructing the old Star Ferry Clock Tower. A report on the stage 1 public engagement has been completed.
The study was commissioned in March last year to refine the urban design framework of the Central harbourfront and to prepare planning/design briefs to guide the detailed planning and design of the key sites.
"During the stage 1 public engagement, the public expressed clear aspirations for a vibrant harbourfront, lower development intensity in harmony with the harbourfront setting, good pedestrian connectivity, extensive greenery, sustainable design, and respect for cultural heritage," a spokesman of the Planning Department said.
The urban design framework for the new Central harbourfront has been refined with the overarching principle of sustainable development. The vision is to create a vibrant, green and accessible new Central harbourfront. Different design concepts for the eight key sites have been prepared.
"We have considered the public views collected and other public submissions including the international design competition organised by an organisation, and the urban design principles as promulgated in the Urban Design Guidelines in the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines, the Town Planning Board's Vision Statement for Victoria Harbour, and the Harbour Planning Principles and Guidelines prepared by the Harbour-front Enhancement Committee," the spokesman said.
There were diverse views on the re-assembly of Queen's Pier and reconstruction of the old Star Ferry Clock Tower during the stage 1 public engagement. Some preferred the original locations. Some preferred the waterfront location and suggested reviving the public pier function of Queen's Pier. Other suggestions included no-reassembly and no-reconstruction.
Based on the two broad streams of views, alternative concepts have been prepared for the stage 2 public engagement. The first concept is to re-assemble Queen's Pier at the harbourfront between Central Piers No. 9 and 10 and to revive the public pier function. The second concept is to re-assemble Queen's Pier at its original location.
For the clock tower, the first concept is to reconstruct it as a focal point on the harbourfront with an axial relationship with City Hall and the re-assembled Queen's Pier by the harbour. The second concept is to reconstruct the clock tower close to the original location. A clock tower gallery to exhibit the salvaged items is proposed under both concepts.
"The design concepts are not exhaustive. 'Mix and match' of the alternative concepts is also possible. We welcome other ideas from the public," the spokesman stressed.
The stage 2 public engagement will last for three months till July 10, 2008. During this period, a public exhibition with physical models, interactive 3D models and other illustrative materials will be held first at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre in Kowloon Park from tomorrow (April 12) to May 25, and then at the Queensway Government Offices from May 27 to July 10. In addition, roving exhibitions will be held in different parts of Hong Kong throughout the period
Workshops and forums will also be held to facilitate public discussion. Consultation sessions and briefings will be arranged for relevant public and advisory bodies including the Town Planning Board, the Harbour-front Enhancement Committee, the relevant Legislative Council Panels, the 18 District Councils, the Antiquities Advisory Board, and the professional institutes.
"Public views will be collected through different channels including comment cards, interview questionnaires and telephone polls undertaken by our consultants," the spokesman said.
"Towards the end of the stage 2 public engagement, a concluding forum will be held with a view to consolidating public views and striving for consensus before finalising the study proposals and recommendations. We expect to complete the study by the end of 2008," the spokesman added.
Details of the refined urban design framework and different design concepts are provided in a bilingual Consultation Digest published for public information today. The Consultation Digest is also available at the Planning Department's website (https://www.pland.gov.hk/). The report on the stage 1 public engagement has been uploaded to the department's website.
Feedback and views of the public on designing the future Central harbourfront are welcome. They can be sent before July 10 by post: Special Duties Section, Planning Department, 15/F North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong (Ref: Urban Design Study for the New Central Harbourfront); by fax: 2577 3175; or by email: sdpd@pland.gov.hk
Completed comment cards can also be deposited in the collection boxes at the exhibition venues.
Ends/Friday, April 11, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:44
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Background Information on Queen's Pier
Background Information on Urban Design Study for the New Central Harbourfront
Background Information on the Central Harbourfront