Latest news with #HarbourfrontCommission
South China Morning Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
11 government departments, private owners must agree for Hong Kong waterfront development
The proposed transformation of an old Hong Kong neighbourhood into a world-class waterfront in the style of Australia's Darling Harbour will require major cooperation among at least 11 government departments and agreement from private owners, officials have said. Advertisement The 798-hectare (1,972-acre) project was announced by Urban Renewal Authority managing director Wai Chi-sing on Sunday , with a study to explore developing To Kwa Wan in Kowloon and its surrounding waters into a top notch destination. 'The real challenge is the implementation, because the proposal actually involves [cooperation among] quite different departments and policy bureaus,' Harbourfront Commission chairman Ivan Ho Man-yiu said on Monday. 'It is important to reach a consensus inside the government,' he added, citing Kai Tak Sports Park, the Marine Department, Civil Engineering and Development Department, Transport Department and Environmental Protection Department. Ho said that Kai Tak Sports Park should also be considered one of the project's stakeholders, as any events at To Kwa Wan's typhoon shelter could impact the sports facility's operations. All proposed activities on the water body in the typhoon shelter, such as converting barges into floating restaurants, would have to be approved by the Marine Department, he explained.
RTHK
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTHK
'Pick a good spot for To Kwa Wan barge concerts'
'Pick a good spot for To Kwa Wan barge concerts' Ivan Ho says barge concerts held during the Happy Hong Kong campaign in 2023 show the idea can work. File photo: RTHK The head of the government's advisory body on waterfront matters said on Monday that the authorities should be careful when choosing a spot in waters off To Kwa Wan to host outdoor concerts on a barge. The suggestion was put forward by the Urban Renewal Authority, which is proposing the construction of a "world-class cove area", like Darling Harbour in Sydney. Harbourfront Commission chairman Ivan Ho expressed support for the idea. He noted that similar concerts were held two years ago in Wan Chai, when around 2,500 people enjoyed shows on shore as part of the Happy Hong Kong campaign. Calling the concept "creative and out of the box", he said a key factor for the To Kwa Wan idea would be to place the barge at the right spot so there was enough room for spectators. "With a concert you need the audience... so you need to carefully select a place that will enable people to gather and stay to enjoy the concert," Ho told RTHK. He also said even though the area is close to Kai Tak Sports Park, there won't be events in the park every day of the year, and putting on shows on the water could have a synergy effect so long as the authorities plan the events calendar properly. Ho said one possible way to negate noise issues would be to hold the barge performances during daytime. The Urban Renewal Authority also proposed hosting watersports in the Kai Tak Approach Channel. Ho said that would be a good idea for competitions like dragon boat races, as spectators could be on both sides of the water to cheer the athletes on. "The only problem, as far as I understand at the moment is the water quality, it's sort of marginal. So we need to ensure the quality is suitable for the watersports we're proposing," he said. The commission chairman said the proposals are still very much at a conceptual stage, and he expressed hope that the ideas can be explored further.
South China Morning Post
10-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Reclamation changes must not become the thin edge of the wedge in Hong Kong
Hong Kong without its harbour would be difficult to imagine. The famous stretch of water is the city's most precious asset and best known feature around the world. Advertisement But over many years, beginning in the 19th century, reclamation of the harbour caused it to narrow. The distance between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon was cut in half. Public concern led to the passing of the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance in 1997. A landmark court judgment in 2004 strengthened the safeguards. Reclamation works would only be permitted if there was an 'overriding public need' based on cogent and convincing evidence. A high threshold was set. Lawmakers last week passed amendments to the law to make small-scale reclamation much easier. Such work is said to be needed to enhance the harbourside and better connect different parts of it. The new arrangements will apply to works of 0.8 hectares or less and concern specified structures such as piers, boardwalks and moorings for boats. Such projects will require consultation with the government-appointed Harbourfront Commission and district councillors. The financial secretary has the final decision. Advertisement The amendments will provide greater flexibility, allowing work to be done to clear old piers and provide promenades and boardwalks for the enjoyment of harbour views. This is better than having people dodge traffic in busy roads to see the sunset. Making it easier to provide moorings will also benefit the city's bid to become a centre for yacht tourism.
South China Morning Post
06-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Viability of Hong Kong's Hung Hom yacht bay development called into question
Hong Kong harbourfront advisers have expressed concerns about the viability of turning part of Hung Hom into a landmark waterfront with a world-class yacht marina, arguing that facilities in the area are old and would need to be revitalised. Advertisement Members of the Harbourfront Commission on Tuesday also questioned why authorities had chosen the residential area for its preliminary waterfront development, even as they voiced their support for some aspects of the proposal. Authorities have proposed turning 24 hectares (59 acres) around the Hung Hom MTR station into a landmark waterfront that would include a marina able to accommodate up to 200 yachts and a 50-storey residential-commercial tower with entertainment facilities. 'Do we need so many commercial activities in [East Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Hom]?' commission member Chiky Wong Cheuk-yuet asked. He said some shopping malls in both areas were old or no longer thriving, and could be in need of revitalisation. Advertisement Wong suggested that the government have a transport museum built in the area, considering its proximity to Whampoa, which had a rich maritime history. He also questioned why Hung Hom was chosen as the location for the proposed waterfront development.
South China Morning Post
06-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong poised to approve Victoria Harbour reclamation for private yacht bays
Yacht bays proposed for Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour could be the first private projects to benefit from new legislation facilitating small-scale reclamation, expected to be passed on Wednesday, according to a watchdog and a surveyor. Advertisement However, the amended law, which exempts small projects from the reclamation ban in Victoria Harbour, has also sparked concerns about the potential privatisation of natural resources amid calls for authorities to ensure public access. The current legal framework forbids any reclamation in the harbour unless it is proven to have an 'overriding public need' supported by 'cogent and convincing materials'. The government deemed this too stringent for minor works intended to enhance the waterfront. The Development Bureau's proposed legal changes would allow small-scale reclamation of 0.8 hectares or less, including for erecting specified structures designed to enhance the harbour, such as piers, boardwalks, and moorings. However, such projects would require approval from the Financial Secretary following consultation with the government-appointed Harbourfront Commission advisory body and district councillors. Advertisement The legal amendments would also permit temporary reclamation not exceeding three hectares, with a seven-year completion time frame, subject to stakeholder consultation and government approval, and the submission of an annual progress report.
