At its meeting today (November 9), the Land and Development Advisory Committee (LDAC) was briefed by the Food and Health Bureau and the Department of Health on a proposed requirement for the provision of babycare rooms and lactation rooms in new commercial premises. LDAC was also briefed on a study on Kwun Tong Action Area (KTAA), and the recommended alignment and implementation approach for improving the pedestrian connection between Tamar Footbridge (TF) and Queensway Plaza Redevelopment (QPR), both led by the Development Bureau.
Members took note of the key features of the proposed requirement for the provision of babycare rooms and lactation rooms in the sale conditions of government land sale sites for new commercial developments which comprise office premises, retail outlets and/or eating places, as part of a comprehensive strategy in promoting and supporting breastfeeding in the community. LDAC noted that representatives of the property management sector had been consulted during the formulation of the proposal on issues related to the management, maintenance and proper use of babycare rooms/lactation rooms in commercial developments. Members generally welcomed the initiative and offered suggestions on further refinements. In response, the Government affirmed that it would take into account Members’ views, including the suggestion to expand the scope of the scheme to cover other types of developments in future, and continuing its efforts in public education.
Members were also briefed on the Preliminary Outline Development Plan (PODP) for KTAA and water body co-use proposals formulated under the Planning and Engineering Study on KTAA. In line with the objective of transforming Kowloon East into another core business district, KTAA is proposed for commercial, government/institution/community, cultural and creative uses and open space uses. Members generally supported the proposals and provided comments on various aspects, such as accessibility, traffic and parking arrangements, landscaping and visual considerations. Detailed technical assessments would be conducted for formulating the Recommended Outline Development Plan for KTAA, taking into account the feedback obtained from the consultation exercise, including LDAC’s comments.
For the proposed pedestrian connection between TF and QPR, Members supported the recommended alignment through Admiralty Centre (AC), which will provide a direct and convenient pedestrian route from the hinterland to the new Central harbourfront, and improve regional connectivity. As an all-weather same-level and barrier-free access, it will increase pedestrian convenience including reducing significantly the travelling time for the elderly and wheelchair-bound persons. Members noted that the implementation will require creation of easements and other permanent rights under the Roads (Works, Use and Compensation) Ordinance (Cap. 370) and any persons aggrieved by the proposed works may submit claims for compensation. Members generally supported the proposal and offered comments and suggestions on the implementation details. The Government would proceed to consult the District Council, individual owners of AC and other stakeholders on the proposal.
Ends/Thursday, November 9, 2017
Issued at HKT 20:41
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