Hong Kong urged to turn Hung Hom waterfront into city's answer to Cannes, Monaco
Hong Kong authorities have been urged to model the proposed Hung Hom waterfront project after Cannes and Monaco to help drive the city's mega-event economy, as some town planning advisers have questioned plans for more commercial facilities amid a high vacancy rate.
Members of the Town Planning Board raised their concerns at the statutory body's meeting on Friday as the Development Bureau briefed advisers about its plan to turn 24 hectares (59 acres) in Hung Hom into a landmark waterfront featuring a yacht marina and a skyscraper.
Roger Chan Chun-kwong, a board member and division head at the PolyU Hong Kong Community College, said the government could learn from overseas economies that hold mega-events along the harbourfront.
'We can try to explore and take reference from Cannes and Monaco in using their waters in organising some high-quality international mega-events. The harbourfront can serve as a catalyst to promote other developments in Hong Kong,' he said, citing the Cannes Film Festival and Formula One Monaco Grand Prix as examples.
'The government can be bolder and more creative to link up the harbourfront with existing and future activities so that Hong Kong can become a mega-event capital.'
Member Kelly Chan Yuen-sau, who is an accountant by profession, added that the government could consider holding international dragon boat races in Hung Hom and organising regular shows as well as programmes in the area.
Other members also suggested featuring more open space at the marina to hold exhibitions and events, and developing maintenance facilities for yachts, while ensuring public access to the venue.
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