Stage 2 Public Engagement for Urban Design Study for the Wan Chai North and North Point Harbourfront Areas

Have you ever thought of swimming, water sliding, doing tai chi or yoga, walking your dog or riding a bicycle at the Wan Chai North and North Point harbourfront areas?

In the past few years' Policy Addresses, I have proposed utilising our harbour for aquatic activities. Last December, I officiated at the launch ceremony of the Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works (SCISTW) under Stage 2A of the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme. With a treatment capacity of 900 million cubic metres per year, the SCISTW treats all sewage from both sides of Victoria Harbour, bringing marked improvements to the water quality of our harbour.

We can have more water-friendly activities in the future. The Government will start public consultation on the enhancement proposals for the Wan Chai North and North Point harbourfront areas. According to the current consultation proposals, the harbourfront would be divided into five Character Precincts: the Celebration Precinct, the Pierside Precinct, the Water Recreation Precinct, the Revitalised Typhoon Shelter Precinct and the East Coast Park Precinct. The ex-Public Cargo Working Area would be developed into a water sports centre. Cycle tracks of about 600 metres and 900 metres would be created in the East Coast Park Precinct and the Pierside Precinct respectively. Upon completion of the Central-Wan Chai Bypass Project, people may swim by the waterfront and walk their dogs in the new waterfront park. The Water Recreation Precinct would provide a sunbathing area as well as a floating pool, in which a children's pool, water slides and a diving pool would be provided. There would be a pet garden in the East Coast Park. The public may also enjoy the vista of Victoria Harbour and do tai chi or yoga on the breakwater.

Next month, for the first time, the annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival will be held at the Central Harbourfront.

May 25, 2016