Looking to the east from the new Central harbourfront in the pristine weather of our hot summer days, one can see that the reclamation work of the Central – Wan Chai Bypass is progressing in full swing in the area of Wan Chai and North Point. The reclamation and construction works of this harbourfront area are set for gradual completion from 2017 onwards. We are going to give cautious consideration to the design and land uses of this valuable stretch of land at the Victoria harbourfront, and would like to invite the community to join us in the process.

The Planning Department (PlanD) launched a two-month Stage 1 Public Engagement for the Urban Design Study for the Wan Chai North and North Point Harbourfront Areas (UDS) in mid-June to guide the detailed design for this area. The study area of the UDS, which mainly comprises the newly reclaimed land covering the harbourfront, stretches from the area west of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) eastward to the proposed waterfront open space adjacent to the Island Eastern Corridor in North Point, encompassing about 19 hectares of land area. The vision of the UDS is to transform this place into an urban harbourfront that reconnects people to the water.

Over the past hundred years or so, several reclamation projects have taken place in Wan Chai and North Point to create new land to address the problem of overpopulation, shaping the shoreline from its original location at Queen’s Road East to where it is today. Nonetheless, many icons and places with their own legacy or unique stories, such as the Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter, the Floating Tin Hau Temple, the fishing boat communities and floating restaurants, the Noon Day Gun, Kellett Island, the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, the ex-Public Cargo Working Area and the ex-A-King Shipyard site, which are historic icons to the maritime industries, are still preserved in this area.

It is our hope to develop, through the UDS, a new Wan Chai and North Point harbourfront which has more diversity, character and accessibility in order to bring our beautiful Victoria Harbour closer to the public. In this connection, we have devised nine guiding design principles, including the following major areas: enhancing physical connectivity between the harbourfront and the hinterland; highlighting the local character and heritage; providing a wide range of activities, programmes and facilities; and introducing greening.

Based on these principles, PlanD has worked out an Urban Design Framework (UDF) for the Wan Chai North and North Point harbourfront, including the proposal of the following five Character Precincts:

Celebration Precinct: To emphasise the celebrative significance of Golden Bauhinia Square as a symbolic attraction and a popular spot for tourists and locals, taking advantage of the existing HKCEC and its extension, as well as the nearby cultural facilities including the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Hong Kong Arts Centre.

Pierside Precinct: Positioned as the heart of the Wan Chai harbourfront, this area would play a significant role as an active, vibrant and attractive public harbourfront space, as well as an activity venue with components such as commercial, food and beverage outlets, a promenade and multi-functional spaces. This precinct would become an activity node and major attraction for locals and tourists.

New Water Recreation Precinct: The sheltered water space of the ex-Public Cargo Working Area has the potential to develop water recreational facilities and become a water sport and/or activity node. These uses may complement the existing Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club.

Revitalised Typhoon Shelter Precinct: To preserve and enhance the historical elements and vibrancy of the Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter, the Noon Day Gun, the Floating Tin Hau Temple and the breakwater itself.

East Coast Park Precinct: To provide a new, spacious and convenient community park at the harbourfront with recreational and leisure programmes and spaces for various passive and active activities.

Some of our initial concepts include extending the pedestrian passageway between Golden Bauhinia Square and New Wan Chai Ferry Pier to promote connectivity and walkability. Moreover, the study will also explore the feasibility of having water transport and an exhibition centre to highlight the evolution of the Wan Chai and North Point harbourfront. As for revitalising the space above the breakwater and promoting water-friendliness, we wish to make better use of the breakwater and introduce unique and suitable uses at appropriate locations, as well as adding water-themed designs and elements.

From now until August 15, PlanD will organise a number of public engagement activities and exhibitions to solicit public views on the aforementioned UDF. For details, please visit http://wcnnpuds.hk. We look forward to hearing your views and comments, and let’s work together to create a vibrant and energetic harbourfront.