Another harbourfront enhancement project was completed with the opening of a promenade along the waterfront of the Kwun Tong area in Hoi Bun Road today (January 16) for public enjoyment.
The Secretary for Development, Mrs Carrie Lam, Chairman of the Harbour-front Enhancement Committee, Professor Lee Chack-fan, and Chairman of Kwun Tong District Council, Mr Chan Chung-bun, officiated at the promenade's opening ceremony this morning.
Mrs Lam said that the Development Bureau, since its establishment, had been identifying measures to improve and beautify the harbourfront with a view to providing more open space for public leisure and enjoyment of the magnificent harbour view.
The completion of Kwun Tong Promenade (KTP) Stage 1 was the result of concerted efforts and co-operation between the Government and the community.
Mrs Lam expressed thanks to both the Harbour-front Enhancement Committee (HEC) and the Kwun Tong District Council (DC) for their full support for the project .
In addition to providing valuable advice, the Kwun Tong DC also funded through the District Minor Works Programme, the site clearance and paving works beneath the Kwun Tong By-pass vehicular bridge, and the dismantling of a wall that blocked the harbour view. These works had helped beautified the adjoining vacant government land to complement the promenade and provide an enlarged public space.
"Although Stage 1 consists of only a 200-metre promenade, it is significant as a positive response to local aspirations and an impetus to the revitalisation of the Kwun Tong industrial area taking account of the Government’s new initiatives in this area," Mrs Lam said.
The 200-metre long promenade was formerly part of the Kwun Tong Public Cargo Working Area (PCWA). After a series of discussions with Kwun Tong DC and concerned parties, it was agreed that a 200-metre long section of the PCWA should first be released and converted into a promenade. The Government plans to commence construction of KTP Stage 2 immediately after the decommissioning of the remaining 700-metre section of PCWA scheduled for 2011.
The project, at a cost of $19.6 million, is funded by the Civil Engineering and Development Department while the Architectural Services Department is the works agent. The promenade will be managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department after its completion. The Transport Department and Highway Department have improved the footpath, pedestrian crossing and parking facilities in the vicinity with a view to attracting more visitors.
The promenade features various types of facilities for the public, including a children's playground, a multi-purpose plaza and seaside boardwalk. A performance stage and a spectator stand with 200 seats are also provided at the promenade to facilitate hosting of events by various organisations.
There is also a special tower landmark in the promenade with the design concept generated from piles of recycled paper at the former site of the PCWA. Music, special lighting features and mist effects at the tower will create a colourful atmosphere at night.
Other guests attending the event included the Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr John Chai, Director of Leisure & Cultural Services, Mrs Betty Fung, Director of Architectural Services, Mrs Marigold Lau, and District Officer (Kwun Tong), Mr Au Hing-yuen.
Ends/Saturday, January 16, 2010
Issued at HKT 15:00
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