News
HEC to commission study on Wanchai development
The Harbour-front Enhancement Committee (HEC) agreed to commission a study relating to Wanchai Development Phase II at its third meeting held today (September 9).
The study, "Harbour-front Enhancement Review for Wanchai and the adjoining areas", aimed to invite community participation through an "envisioning" process in mapping out the aspirations, constraints and opportunities for developing the harbour-front at Wanchai and its adjoining areas.
The Planning Department also gave a presentation on major existing and proposed land use along the Victoria Harbour harbour-front.
Permanent Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands (Planning and Lands), Mrs Rita Lau, took the opportunity to give clarification on the facts relating to Central Reclamation Phase III.
Members of the Committee also discussed a Government proposal to enhance Government piers and landing facilities within the limits of the Victoria Harbour.
Preliminary findings of a consultancy study commissioned by the Civil Engineering and Development Department indicated that while the piers and landings could generally meet the required operational functions, facilities for the disabled or seating and shelters were not adequately provided at some piers.
The consultants were of the view that it would be opportune to consider modernizing such Government piers and landing facilities to enhance their standards and aesthetic appearance in view of growing expectations from the public.
HEC members agreed that as ferry piers were very prominent structures in the Harbour, their design should be integrated with the surrounding physical settings and characteristics with a view to enhancing their attractiveness. Proposed enhancements should also enable better enjoyment of the sea view and provide greater comfort and convenience to members of the public by further upgrading the facilities.
During the meeting, the progress reports of the three HEC Sub-committees - Sub-committee on South East Kowloon Development Review, Sub-committee on Harbour Plan Review and Sub-committee on Wan Chai Development Phase II Review - as well as a proposal concerning the operating methodology for the work of HEC and Sub-committees were also discussed.
The next HEC meeting will be held on November 4, 2004.
Ends/Thursday, September 9, 2004
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