The Expert Panel Forum on Sustainable Transport Planning and Central-Wan Chai Bypass organised by the Harbour-front Enhancement Committee (HEC)'s Sub-committee on the Wan Chai Development Phase II Review will be held on Saturday (September 3) afternoon at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Sub-committee has received 18 submissions to the Expert Panel. All submissions have been passed to the experts for consideration.
One of the submissions, from the Transport Department, explains in detail the need for the Central-Wan Chai Bypass (CWB). The other 17 submissions are from the Servicemen's Guides Association, Clear the Air, Save Our Shorelines, Chairman of the Planning, Traffic and Environmental Protection Committee of the Wan Chai District Council Mr Stephen Ng Kam-chun, Swire Properties, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (HK), Trade Development Council, MTR Corporation Ltd, Kowloon Taxi Owners Association Ltd, Harbour Business Forum, Legislative Councillor Dr Kwok Ka-ki, Business Environment Council, Civic Exchange, Society for Protection of the Harbour Ltd, Designing Hong Kong Harbour District and two members of the public.
The Expert Panel Forum will be held from 2pm to 6pm this Saturday at the SME Training Centre 3, Expo Galleria, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
It is hoped the forum, which provides a platform for transport experts and other concerned parties to air their views on whether there is a need for the CWB to solve traffic problems along the northern shore of Hong Kong Island, will help the community reach a broad consensus.
The HEC Sub-committee, which organised a host of public engagement activities earlier during the Envisioning Stage of the "Harbour-front Enhancement Review ¡V Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and Adjoining Areas" (HER), believes that an in-depth discussion involving transport experts is essential before the review can move on to its next stage ¡V the Realization Stage.
A panel of nine transport experts, nominated by the HER Task Force under the HEC Sub-committee and various universities and professional bodies, are set to deliberate transport issues at the forum. Views will also be invited from other participants, with priority given to those who wish to clarify or expand on their submissions.
Members of the public, academics, professionals and other interested parties are invited to attend the forum. Pre-registration is highly recommended.
Information relating to the Expert Panel Forum and all the submissions will be uploaded onto the HEC website (http://www.harbourfront.org.hk) for public viewing. Enquiries can be made on 2231 4408.
Ends/Thursday, September 1, 2005
Issued at HKT 14:31
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