Victoria Harbour is considered to be Hong Kong's "jewel in the crown" by many who live in or visit the city. It has reflected the city's growth from the past to the present and will carry us forward into the future. To give proper respect to this endowment from nature, the former Harbour-front Enhancement Committee (HEC) was set up in 2004 to become the high-level champion in protecting, preserving and improving this important public asset. The Harbourfront Commission (HC) took over the baton in 2010 to continue the HEC's aspiration and commitment to work with the government, the community and private sector to create a harborfront we can all enjoy and of which we can all be proud.

Within the 73 kilometers of Victoria harborfront, the 3.2 km shoreline from Wan Chai North to North Point is the last piece of virgin waterfront land in the urban areas available for upgrading and development. Back in 2012, HC requested the government to undertake a study to consider future land uses of this reclaimed portion of the harborfront. We are happy the government agreed to partner with HC in taking forward an urban design study to unleash the potential of this 31-hectare area. The study has now entered into the phase in which we can discuss with the public some of its wide-ranging harborfront enhancement proposals to turn the area into a truly attractive place for public enjoyment.

Through the initial stages of the engagement exercise, we gathered public views on the general urban design framework and their aspirations on future waterfront design. The community has in general reached a consensus and their vision for the new Wan Chai-North Point harborfront was it should be "an urban harborfront that reconnects people to the water".

On design, we heard clear voices desiring more landscaping and shading, to enhance pedestrian connectivity from the hinterland to the waterfront (north-south connectivity) and provide an uninterrupted waterfront connection (east-west connectivity). A wide variety of activities and shared use of the waterfront were also called for. Among the many proposals, art and culture events, alfresco dining, water recreation, floating restaurant and cycling appeared to be the most preferred. In so far as the distinctive features of the five proposed character precincts are concerned, the following ideas are currently under discussion with the community.

The "Celebration Precinct" aims to strengthen the identity and ceremonial significance of the Golden Bauhinia Square by way of a proposed Celebration Plaza for enjoyment by both residents and tourists. With the introduction of enhancement measures, the City View Plaza in front of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will continue to be a popular venue for appreciating a panoramic harbor view and celebratory firework displays. Visitors could also enjoy the beautiful scenery of sunset at the Sunset Plaza to the west.

The "Pierside Precinct" will adopt an amphitheatre design at its Harbourfront Performance Area. Events of different scale and nature could be held here with the spectacular Victoria Harbour as a scenic backdrop. The Gourmet Dining Square nearby will provide quality food and beverage options to reinforce Hong Kong's reputation as a dining paradise and a premier tourist destination.

In the "Water Sports and Recreation Precinct", the study team suggested making use of the water basin previously occupied by the former public cargo working area to bring in water sports and recreational activities for the enjoyment of the general public. The precinct will showcase new water play concepts and feature various water-related activities. The whole precinct will adopt a flexible design to allow for the hosting of international water sports events.

In the "Revitalised Typhoon Shelter Precinct", floating restaurant and sampan service will be reintroduced as a continuation of the cultural heritage of the typhoon shelter. In addition, the northern breakwater could be opened for public access by adding cantilevered viewing decks and proper landing steps.

Last but not least, the "East Coast Park Precinct" will provide diversified recreational facilities such as an Extreme Park for fans of skateboards and BMX bikes. Other outdoor fitness and exercise areas, a children's playground and a pet park would also be provided. Leisure activities such as tai chi and yoga could take place here on the spacious multi-purpose lawn space.

As chairman of the HC, I place tremendous importance on this study. In order to accomplish what it set out to achieve, the study needs the public's active participation. Details of activities of the ongoing second stage of public engagement can be found at the study's website www.wcnnpuds.hk. HC will continue to work with the community and the study team to make sure that this part of our harborfront is planned and developed into an attractive, vibrant, enjoyable, accessible and sustainable world-class asset.

(HK Edition 07/18/2016 page10)