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Home , 13 Streets, Hung Hom, Kai Tak Development, Kai Tak station, Kowloon, Kowloon City District

Kai Tak Planning Review

Stage 3 Public Participation Preliminary Outline Development Plan

District Forum 1 (15.7.2006)

Summary of Discussion

Date: 15 July 2006 (Saturday) Time: 2:30pm to 5:00pm Venue: Basement, Fashion World (Site 2), Wonderful Worlds of Whampoa, ,

Moderator: Dr. Peter Wong King-keung Vice-Chairman,

Panel Members: Ir. WONG Kwok-keung Chairman, District Council

Ms Starry LEE Wai-king Member of Sub-committee on South East Kowloon Development Review of Harbour-front Enhancement Committee

Mr Anthony KWAN Assistant Director of Planning/ Metro, Planning Department

Expert Panel: Mr Daniel SIN Pak-wing Assistant Secretary (Home Affairs) (Recreation & Sport),

Mr Peter MOK Pang-ching Senior Engineer/ Kowloon, Civil Engineering and Development Department

Mr Derek SUN City Planning-Maunsell Joint Venture

Mr Eric MA City Planning-Maunsell Joint Venture

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Stage 3 Public Participation Preliminary Outline Development Plan

District Forum 1 (15.7.2006)

Summary of Discussion

OPENING REMARKS BY THE MODERATOR AND PANEL MEMBERS Dr. Peter Wong King Keung

The moderator welcomed all participants and introduced the panel members. At the two previous stages, views from public and professional sector were collected and considered for the preparation of the Preliminary Outline Development Plan (PODP). Proposed developments such as cruise terminal, heliport and sports complex have been included in the present PODP. However, the PODP did not represent the final planning of Kai Tak, further amendments would be made after taking into account views/recommendations collected from this stage public participation exercise. The moderator reminded the participants that today event did not aim to make concrete decision but to involve the community in planning the future of Kai Tak and in building consensus on the development proposals. Diverse and even contradictory views were expected and the Government would strive to balance different interests.

Ir. Wong Kwok Keung

Four most concerned issues of Council (KCDC) were: 1) Pollution problems at Kai Tak Approach Channel (KTAC). Residents of Kowloon City supported reclaiming KTAC to solve problems of KTAC and a “reclamation” scenario should be included; 2) Information on the effectiveness of reclamation and no reclamation should be available to the public; 3) Integration, connection and interface of Kai Tak with its neighbourhoods was essential to the surrounding districts to help revitalize the old districts, and 4) Fully support development of cruise terminal to stimulate the local economy.

Mr. Anthony Kwan

The main purpose of consultation was to achieve consensus building. Views/recommendations collected were examined and different departments were consulted for the preparation of the PODP.

In response to public aspiration, Kai Tak was proposed to be a low-density development area with an extensive open space system (about1/3 of the total area).

Some people supported reclamation to create more land for development whilst others considered that the original configuration of Kai Tak should be retained as it was an important heritage of . Given the statutory principle to protect

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District Forum 1 (15.7.2006)

Summary of Discussion

and preserve the as established under the Protection of Harbour Ordinance (PHO), this Study has adopted “no reclamation” as the starting point in developing the relevant proposals. Moreover the Study Team has undertaken investigations and analyses on different mitigation measures and if results were positive, there would be no need for reclamation.

Another main public concern was linkages (in particular pedestrian linkages) between Kai Tak and neighbouring areas. The PODP has proposed more than 20 connection points with surrounding districts in terms of footbridges, subways and retail subway. More views were welcomed for further enhancement.

Ms. Starry Lee

The was a main concern of the public. Other public requested for the provision of close and direct access to Kai Tak. For example footbridges and a continuous waterfront promenade linking , through to . For more convenient access to the Metro Park from To Kwa Wan and Kwun Tong, more footbridges were required.

FLOOR DISCUSSION (1) Ms. Sylvia Siu, Member of Kowloon City District Council

Development of Kai Tak should commence as soon as possible.

Not agreed with the proposal to allocate part of Kai Tak for private development.

The Government should provide the costs of both “reclamation” and “no reclamation” scenarios.

Questioned the effectiveness of mitigation measures proposed for tackling the environmental problems of the KTAC.

Supported reclaiming KTAC for provision of more open space. The proposed 600 metres gap would enable pollutants flow to the water bodies at Hung Hom and To Kwa Wan.

Mr. Pedro Chan (陳焜鏞), To Kwa Wan Sub-Committee of Kowloon City District Council

Concerned about the smell of the Harbour and proposed to smoothen the corner at Dining Cove to increase water circulation thus helping to eliminate smell. An alternative option was to build a dam to enable water sports activities.

Even though the Shatin-to-Central Link was proposed, connection between Kwun

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District Forum 1 (15.7.2006)

Summary of Discussion

Tong and was still considered inadequate. With the development of the proposed facilities in Kai Tak, traffic impact on existing road network would be a main concern.

Mr. Chan Wing Lim, Kowloon City District Council

Views collected from residents of Kwun Tong, Kowloon City and districts indicated that KTAC should be reclaimed.

The Kai Tak Runway was an important heritage of Hong Kong. Breaking a 600m gap was considered not sustainable in terms of environment and land resources.

Kowloon City district was seriously short of sports and recreational facilities. It was hope that more of these facilities could be provided within the open space as proposed in Kai Tak.

The Inscription Rock was not located at a prominent location. The Government should re-package the Rock and its history thus creating a heritage node.

Mr. Lee Cheuk Fan, Kowloon City Business Association (龍城區商聯會)

Main concern of business operators in Kowloon City was the provision of supporting facilities and infrastructure, in particular transport facilities to attract people from other districts to Kai Tak and Kowloon City.

SCL was quite far away from Kowloon City. It was hoped that more direct connections (e.g. subways) could be provided to link up Kowloon City and future Kai Tak.

RESPONSES TO FLOOR DISCUSSION (1) Mr. Eric Ma, Study Consultant

Given the statutory principle to protect and preserve the Victoria Harbour, the Study has adopted “no reclamation” as the starting point in developing the relevant proposals. Moreover it could be evident that water quality has been improving and with the assistance of Drainage Service Department (DSD) and Environmental Protection Department (EPD) to identify and eliminate pollution sources and illegal discharge, water quality would continue to improve.

Existing water body at northern end of KTAC was quite stagnant and small amount of sediment would create unpleasant smell. By creating a 600m opening, water

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District Forum 1 (15.7.2006)

Summary of Discussion

circulation would be improved and sedimentation would be reduced. A piled deck would be provided above the opening gap to maintain the original shape of the ex-runway and the KTAC.

In terms of traffic, in a strategic context, the Central Kowloon Route would serve to provide direct route linking up east and west Kowloon regions, thus removing cross-regions traffic from the existing road networks in the surrounding districts thus providing capacity to absorb addition traffic from .

Connections with Kwun Tong – different proposals have been examined in terms of bridge, tunnel, openable bridge but there were technical issues still to be resolved. The community was encouraged to voice out their views and recommendations.

FLOOR DISCUSSION (2) Mr. Lee Sum, Resident of To Kwa Wan

If the court has decided that there could be no reclamation, then we should concentrate on “no reclamation”. Personally, certain extent of reclamation at To Kwa Wan was acceptable in order to achieve a continuous waterfront promenade.

Sports stadium should be located close to the waterfront for crowd dispersal thus less impact on neighbouring areas.

Major efforts have been made by the Government and the community on the planning of Kai Tak, development should begin without further delay.

Mr. Cheung Yan Hong, Wong Po Resident Association (張仁康先生–黃埔居民協會社區建 設顧問團召集人)

Not agreed with the location of the SCL depot as it would separate Kai Tak from Kowloon City.

Kai Tak and Kowloon City should be connected by subway. Therefore basement construction must be included as a requirement in future land sale.

All buildings should not exceed 20 storeys tall.

Less at-grade roads help improve visual quality. Alternative means should be explored.

Bridge Connection with Kwun Tong – recommended to locate observation towers at the shores to link up the bridge.

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should be retained and redeveloped to a fisherman wharf as a tourist attraction.

Light rail and monorail should be considered to enhance connectivity.

Concerned about the potential noise impact associated with the proposed heliport.

Ms. Chu Mo Fong, Representative Resident Concerned Group (朱慕芳女 士 – 馬頭角居民關注組)

Ma Tau Kok residents were very concerned about how Ma Tau Kok would integrate with Kai Tak.

Construction works of new developments near “” were affecting the structural capacity of the old buildings (over 40 years). The Government should include the redevelopment of the area as part of Kai Tak development.

Promotion of the consultation activities was not adequate.

Mr. Ho Chi Kwong, Resident of

Concerned about stadium development would add further pressure to the existing road network in Hung Hom (in particular ). If certain extent of reclamation would be allowed, direct connection should be provided between Kai Tak and thus relieving traffic pressure on Hung Hom Road. The Government should try to establish an over-riding public need for reclamation for better planning and land use proposals in Kai Tak.

(1) Resident of Tin Tsui Wai

The existing proposals at Kai Tak (e.g. fisherman wharf stadium) would not bring long-term economic benefit to Hong Kong. He has a proposal which, however, could ensure Kai Tak to be economically sustainable for the next 50 years.

(2) Mr. Cheung, Resident of Kowloon City

The proposed multi-purpose stadium was supported. However, roads should be placed around the sports facilities instead of cutting across the site.

Concerned if the public need to bear the cost for the development of the stadium.

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Summary of Discussion

RESPONSES TO FLOOR DISCUSSION (2) Mr. Anthony Kwan, Assistant Director of Planning/Metro, Planning Department

Connections with surrounding districts - Retail subway was proposed in the PODP. Feasibility of a large scale “” connecting the Kai Tak Station and Kowloon City was being examined by the Planning Department. - Establishment of a continuous waterfront promenade to connect To Kwa Wan with Metro Park would very much rely on future redevelopment of the sites involved.

SCL Depot - the depot would be used for parking of trains. The need to locate it within Kai Tak was still under investigation.

“13 Streets” - 13 streets was outside the study boundary. Redevelopment of the area would either be initiated by the or by the private sector.

Distribution of Consultation Digest - Distribution arrangement would be reviewed to ensure the community would be well informed. Apart from consultation digest, activities were also announced through radio and the internet.

Stadium - Two SCL stations, Kai Tak and Ma Tau Kok stations would be located at similar distance (750m and 600m respectively) from the Stadium for crowd dispersal. Supporting facilities (such as restaurants, shops) would also be provided to serve stadium users.

Mr. Eric Ma, Study Consultant

The roads might look wide on the plan but they were not planned for high-speed traffic. Lots of space had been reserved for greening.

Traffic congestion on existing surrounding road network was mainly originated from cross-district traffic. The CKR would re-direct this traffic to resolve congestion problems.

Kai Tak would be connected with Kowloon City at various points. The existing open

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Summary of Discussion

space at junction of Nga Tsin Wai Road and Tak Ku Ling Road would become an entrance/exit point of an underground shopping street connecting a sunken plaza at Kai Tak. A landscaped deck across would also connect Kowloon City and Kai Tak City Centre.

Mr. Daniel Sin, HAB

Apart from the main stadium, the stadium complex would also comprise a secondary stadium, indoor sports facilities and other supporting facilities. These facilities were planned for sports events and many other activities to be used by the wider community.

Both active and passive facilities would be proposed at the Metro Park at detailed planning stage. The relevant district councils and community would be consulted.

Studies were currently being conducted on costs, future management and operation of the Stadium. Private sector involvement could bring in synergy to create a vibrant environment.

In terms of heritage protection, the recommendation for Sung Wong Toi Inscription Rock would be considered by the Bureau.

FLOOR DISCUSSION (3) Mr. Leung Fook Jak (梁福澤先生), Owners Committee

Overall proposal is supported.

Waterfront promenade should be extended to link up Whampoa Garden.

Runway should be vehicular free but need to have some kinds of transport system to move people around.

Objected to the proposed heliport as it is considered not compatible with the surroundings.

No data to support immediate need for a hospital.

Too many undesignated G/IC sites, concerned about their future uses.

Mr. Ngan Lun Yan (顏倫仁先生), Citizen

Concerned about the lack of transport facilities within Kai Tak if planned as a tourism

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node.

Mr. Cheung Yan Hong (張仁康先生), Citizen

The SCL Depot has a long configuration which may isolate Kowloon City from Kai Tak. The depot development was not supported unless the proposed underground city to connect Kowloon City and future Kai Tak would be implemented.

Mr. Lee Sam (李參先生), Ma Tau Kok resident

Noted that the proposed population has reduced to around 85,000 and concerned with where would the local residents of the surrounding districts be relocated if the districts are to be redeveloped.

Much time and resources have been spent on this project. The Government should speed up the development of Kai Tak.

RESPONSES TO FLOOR DISCUSSION (3)

Mr. Anthony Kwan, Assistant Director of Planning/Metro, Planning Department

Previous Kai Tak Study included about 130 ha reclaimed land and therefore had a higher population intake. Moreover, a lower population density has been proposed for the current PODP.

With regard to types of housing, the 2 public housing sites would accommodate about 35,000 population. Private housing would also be provided.

Mr. Eric Ma, Study Consultant

In terms of transport arrangement within Kai Tak, to cater for different needs of people, Environmental Friendly Transport Mode (EFTM) was proposed to connect the Kai Tak Station with the Runway.

Feasibility to adopt a monorail system was being examined.

FLOOR DISCUSSION (4) To Kwa Wan Citizen

Concerned about the redevelopment of the “Thirteen Streets” in To Kwa Wan and the connectivity between To Kwa Wan and the Metro Park.

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Citizen

To provide a cycle track along the runway and facilities for fishing along the waterfront.

RESPONSES TO FLOOR DISCUSSION (4) Mr. Anthony Kwan, Assistant Director of Planning/Metro, Planning Department

Concern on the redevelopment of “Thirteen Streets” in To Kwa Wan was noted. However, it would not be included in Kai Tak development.

It is expected that a continuous waterfront promenade would be achieved upon redevelopment of those private lots along the waterfront.

The Government would examine the possibility of a footbridge connection between To Kwa Wan and the Metro Park.

Mr Derek Sun, Study Consultant

In response to the concern on connectivity, Mr. Sun reiterated that a cycle track had been proposed in the present PODP.

CLOSING REMARKS BY PANEL MEMBERS Ms. Starry Lee

HEC would work together with the TPB and Government departments to ensure that all public views received would be considered.

Main concerns of the public from today’s forum were traffic, KTAC and connections with surrounding districts, in particular To Kwa Wan district.

Mr. Anthony Kwan

Comments received today would be further examined. In fact, investigations for many other previous proposals received such as underground city, bridge connection to Kwun Tong etc were on-going.

Dr. Peter Wong King Keung

There were strong views on “no reclamation” proposal. Government departments were currently examining feasibility to mitigate the environmental problems associated with KTAC. Results so far were positive. However, if pollution problems could not be solved by “no reclamation” approach, other alternatives should be explored.

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