News
Arrangements on submissions for presentation to HEC endorsed
The Harbour-front Enhancement Committee (HEC) endorsed at its bi-monthly meeting today (November 4) arrangements for handling submissions and requests for presentation made by individuals or organisations to the Committee.
Members generally agreed that in order to keep the HEC Members abreast of the community's views on the harbour-related issues, the HEC should adopt an "open-door" policy and welcome private submissions and requests for presentation, said the Chairman of the HEC, Professor Lee Chack-fan.
It was agreed that special meetings would be held quarterly to brief Members on the requests for presentation and the meetings would be open to the public.
"In between the special HEC meetings, the relevant Sub-committees may discuss submissions and requests for presentation as the Chairmen and Members of the Sub-committees deem appropriate or necessary," Professor Lee added.
Members also noted that the Government was preparing to launch an Invitation for Proposals (IFP) exercise by the end of this year for the timely development of a new cruise terminal facility to meet the medium term needs of Hong Kong.
The objective of the exercise is to solicit innovative proposals and the exercise will allow flexibility for the private sector to put forward proposals on the location, development and operation of the cruise terminal, which can provide additional cruise terminal facilities in Hong Kong.
"Members were told that the tip of the former Kai Tak runway had been identified as the preferred site for the development of cruise terminal facilities to meet the long-term demand and the entire planning review process including the statutory procedures was expected to be completed in early 2008. Some HEC Members expressed concern over the possible future location of the cruise terminal and its impacts on the overall design and planning of the harbour-front, as well as the environmental impact assessment and the public participation processes that the exercise would go through. The Commissioner of Tourism would carefully consider the views expressed by the HEC Members," Professor Lee noted.
Members were also briefed on the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme Stage 2 (HATS Stage 2) and gave views on the preferred option and the proposed two-phase implementation approach, said Professor Lee.
Meanwhile, as a matter arising from the previous HEC meeting, the Society for Protection of the Harbour Limited (SPH) gave a presentation to HEC on its rezoning request in relation to the Central District (Extension) Outline Zoning Plan (OZP).
The Planning Department also briefed Members on the planning intention of the OZP, the rationale behind the planned land uses, and the consultation and funding process leading to the finalisation of the Plan.
"In order not to pre-empt discussion by the Town Planning Board (TPB), Members noted the presentations by both the SPH and the Planning Department. The HEC will keep in view the decision of the TPB and respect the due process that the SPH's request has to go through. As regards the future land use of the reclaimed land, the Sub-committee on Wan Chai Development Phase II Review will further discuss the matter as necessary," Professor Lee said.
The meeting also discussed the progress reports from the three HEC Sub-committees, namely the Sub-committees on South East Kowloon Development Review, Harbour Plan Review and Wan Chai Development Phase II Review.
The next HEC meeting will be held on January 13, 2005.
Ends/Thursday, November 4, 2004
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