Recently, a group has suggested that the Government should build temporary housing underneath flyovers for those who are inadequately housed to alleviate their housing needs, or develop youth hostels or art and cultural performance venues underneath flyovers in order to fully utilise those vacant spaces. There have been many debates after the suggestion was put forward, and some have quoted a list of overseas examples of spaces being utilised underneath flyovers for the Government's consideration. For example, in Tokyo, which is a densely populated city, spaces underneath railway bridges are being used as restaurants, shops and more.
We welcome views on land and housing supply from any groups and parties, no matter how unconventional or creative the ideas may be. We will remain open-minded and humble in listening to all kinds of views and are willing to keep in touch with different organisations.
All along, we have been planning land uses based on a list of considerations specified in the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG), such as land use, composition, fire safety, transport, environment and landscape, and more. On utilising spaces underneath flyovers, the same criteria apply. However, since only general considerations and guidelines are set out in the HKPSG, we have to consider planning applications on a case-by-case basis before making decisions.
The existing HKPSG clearly stipulates some unacceptable uses underneath flyovers, mainly involving uses constituting a potential fire hazard, uses which will worsen air quality and/or create noise nuisance that will adversely affect the health of long-time users, and uses which will generate too much traffic or pedestrian activities and/or uses which will affect direct access to transportation facilities. Specific examples include cooked food stalls; community, children, youth or elderly centres with residential or day-care services; residential developments; supermarkets; and other uses. Of course, we will review the HKPSG from time to time so as to meet changing society and planning needs.
"Fly the Flyover01", a project next to the Energizing Kowloon East Office, has recently become a frequently quoted example of utilising space underneath flyovers. With an area of 3,400 square metres, the site has been open for public use since January 20 this year. Some basic facilities are provided in the venue, such as a performance stage, a dressing room, general lighting and toilets. The design is simple, featuring the use of industrial elements, and provides flexibility for different types of local artists to use the venue.
As seen above, the project itself is intended to release enclosed urban spaces. Based on public views, we have provided a public open space for people to sit and walk in for leisure. At the same time, non-profit-making arts and cultural organisations and government departments are welcome to use the venue for organising arts and cultural performances, exhibitions or other community activities that can promote the new image of Kowloon East.
Since January, a number of major events have been under discussion. Two of them have been confirmed, namely the Venice Biennale International Architecture Exhibition - Response Exhibition 2013 which will be held in May and the 2013 Hong Kong & Shenzhen Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism\Architecture which will be held later.
In addition to "Fly the Flyover01" in Kowloon East, you may have seen another example of utilising spaces underneath flyovers in busy Causeway Bay - the headquarters of the Hong Kong Federation of Women under Canal Road Flyover. The design of the headquarters underneath the flyover should have changed our impression of the environment underneath flyovers, which is usually seen as messy and having polluted air. In addition, there is an office of an NGO providing services for the community underneath the flyover at Moreton Terrace in Causeway Bay, and underneath the bridge at Tramway Path in Central there is the office of WWF - Hong Kong.
There are also other cases of utilising spaces underneath flyovers in progress, including the application from the Hong Kong Architecture Centre to the Government for building its headquarters underneath the flyover in Connaught Road Central opposite Infinitus Plaza in Sheung Wan to organise architects' design exhibitions and seminars in future. The Town Planning Board granted the planning permission in April last year, and the Lands Department is now examining the application. We believe that the headquarters would be another good example of utilising spaces underneath flyovers after its completion.
24 February, 2013
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