Spaces underneath flyovers are generally thought of as dark and gloomy locations where people would not like to linger. However, with a little imagination, right timing and location as well as public support, spaces underneath flyovers can be turned into creative and vibrant areas for the community. The public space under the flyover near the Kwun Tong waterfront is one such example.

The area was once fenced off. With the assistance of various departments including the Water Supplies Department, Drainage Services Department, Architectural Services Department and Highways Department, the Energizing Kowloon East Office (EKEO) completed works at the first site within six months. In January 2013, the site, named Fly the Flyover 01 (FF01), was opened for public use and has since become a public space for people to visit and enjoy freely.

Through adopting an open design and a management concept based on mutual trust with the public and community groups, the venue seeks to provide a relaxing atmosphere and environment for visitors to enjoy. There are lawns for sitting and lying down, as well as spaces for cycling, skateboarding, playing with model cars and walking with pets. The open and free design allows people to relax in their own ways. The results are encouraging after 18 months’ experimentation.  Upon finished using the site, many people and groups helped to tidy up the place without leaving any rubbish. I am very grateful to everyone for treasuring the venue facilities and working together to support the free atmosphere there.

Since its opening as an informal cultural and performance venue, the place has held more than 40 different kinds of activities by various groups, including street dance competitions, band performances, running events, photography workshops, outdoor film shows, carnivals, art and craft workshops, architecture exhibitions and seminars.

To assist in staging events, basic facilities such as lighting, electricity supply, a stage, backstage facilities and toilets are provided at the venue. EKEO has also applied to the Composers and Authors Society of Hong Kong Limited, Phonographic Performance (South East Asia) Limited and Hong Kong Recording Industry Alliance Limited for licences, so that arts groups can perform or play their favourite popular songs there.

This special space underneath the flyover enables us to enjoy the soothing sea breeze in the summer and take shelter on rainy days. During lunchtime,  people working in the neighbouring offices and construction sites walk over to enjoy their lunch, have a chat or even take a nap there to refresh themselves for the tasks ahead. In weekend afternoons, the venue is a popular place for young people to carry out a wide range of leisure activities. Skateboarders use the stage as a practice area, runners warm up on the platform, lovers walk their dogs on the lawn, the engaged take pre-wedding photos there with the green lawn and colourful graffiti as backdrops, children play with remote control aircraft, drummers play the African drums, and students dance to music or produce videos, and more. Their voices, laughter and music have combined to create a beautiful montage for the space underneath the flyover. It is pleasing to see that many people have chosen this venue to rehearse their school performances or take their wedding photos, making the place become part of their cherished memories.

We will continue to work hard to add new elements to the space underneath the flyover in future. Last year, EKEO completed a Market Sounding Out Exercise for “Creativity, Arts and Culture under Kwun Tong Bypass” to invite non-profit-making organisations interested in using Sites 1, 2 and 3 to share their ideas and preliminary operational plans. Later on, we will invite their proposals and select the most suitable organisation as our project partner, with a view to opening up additional spaces under the Kwun Tong Bypass for more interesting activities for the public.

We will continue to interact with and engage the community to facilitate the transformation of the waterfront area in Kwun Tong into an energetic, creative and vibrant place with distinctive features.

For information on the venue and events of FF01, please visit the EKEO website.