At its meeting today (March 18), the Land and Development Advisory Committee (LDAC) was briefed on the major initiatives related to the Development Bureau (DEVB) in the 2016 Policy Address and the 2016-17 Budget. The LDAC was also briefed on three projects led by the Energizing Kowloon East Office (EKEO).
Members noted the DEVB-related initiatives in the 2016 Policy Address and the 2016-17 Budget. They acknowledged the Government's efforts in adopting a multi-pronged approach to increase land supply to address the needs of the community for housing, development and other uses, and taking forward new measures for controlling the cost of public works projects.
Members were briefed by the EKEO on the initiative to facilitate provision of pedestrian links by the private sector. The new initiative aims to provide incentive to the private sector by way of waiving the land premium payable for lease modification for provision of pedestrian links to help achieve a comprehensive pedestrian network for the overall benefit of the community, and it uses Kowloon East as a pilot area for implementation. Consideration will be given to extending the policy to other districts, where justified. Members supported the initiative, and considered that its early implementation would help improve connectivity and walkability.
In relation to the development of the Tourism Node (TN) at Kai Tak, the EKEO briefed Members on the results of the invitation for expression of interest. Members noted that most of the 11 submissions, including local and overseas submissions, provided ideas and suggestions on the aspects of land use mix, types and nature of entertainment and leisure facilities, and possible modes of operation and management. Members generally supported the direction of the TN project. They also made suggestions to improve the design, mode of operation and business viability of this development.
Lastly, Members were briefed on the Preliminary Outline Development Plan (PODP) for the Kowloon Bay Action Area (KBAA). In line with the objective of transforming Kowloon East into an additional core business district, it is proposed that the KBAA be developed into a commercial/office hub to create synergy with the neighbourhood. Members generally supported the proposal, highlighted the importance of pedestrian connectivity and commented on various other aspects of the PODP.
Ends/Friday, March 18, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:30
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