Urban Design Study for the Wan Chai North and North Point Harbourfront Areas
Briefing on Final Report for Task Force on Harbourfront Developments on Hong Kong Island on 9.12.2019 Study Background and Process
2 Background New Wan Chai North and North Point Harbourfront: infrastructural and reclamation works under Wan Chai Development Phase II (WDII), Central and Wan Chai Bypass and Shatin to Central Link Harbourfront Commission (HC) suggested and Government agreed to carry out an Urban Design Study (UDS) Conducted on the basis of the approved Wan Chai North Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) and North Point OZP, and the Recommended Outline Development Plan formulated under the Planning and Engineering Review of WDII completed in 2007 Commenced in January 2015 with objectives to : - work out an urban design framework; - formulate harbourfront enhancement proposals (HEPs); and - extensively engage the public in the process
3 Study Area Stretching from the waterfront area around the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to the newly reclaimed land north of City Garden
About 19 ha land area, plus about 22 ha water surface (ex-Wan Chai Public Cargo Working Area (PCWA) and Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter)
CITY GARDEN
CAUSEWAY BAY TYPHOON SHELTER
ExEX-PCWA
4 Statutory Planning Context Land area mainly composed of : “Open Space” zone (57%) & “Other Specified Uses” zone (36%)
“OU ( Waterfront Related “OU (Public Waterfront Promenade Commercial and Leisure Uses)” and Water Recreation Related Uses)” Max GFA Max BH OU(1) 1,800 sq.m 15mPD Max GFA Max BH OU(2) 1,100 sq.m 10mPD 1,650 sq.m 20mPD OU(3) 1,000 sq.m 10mPD 5 Overall Vision
6 Study Process
15 June – 15 August 2015 11 June – 20 August 2016
7 2-Stage Public Engagement The public generally supports the vision – New Wan Chai North Point Harbourfront – “an urban harbourfront re-connecting people to the water”
Major Public Comments/Views: continuous, vibrant, easily accessible and barrier-free waterfront promenade more greenery, tree plantings and shading along the waterfront continuous bicycle trail waterfront to be accessible via public transport means revitalisation of ex-PCWA into a public water sports and recreational destination
Major District Councils’ Comments/Views: early implementation HEPs to take into account local residents’ needs pet playground in Wan Chai District
8 2-Stage Public Engagement
Some Diverse Views: segregated bicycle trail vs shared-use between pedestrian and cyclists reservation on floating barge pool and urban beach at the Wan Chai basin vs provision of variety of facilities/activities proposed cantilevered boardwalk along Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter vs Protection of the Harbour Ordinance (Cap. 531) (PHO) implications removal of on-street metered parking spaces at Hung Hing Road vs shortage of parking spaces Discussion at HKTF: Discussion at HKTF meetings Formation of Working Group on UDS under HKTF (6 meetings held)
Major HC’s Comments/Views:
enhancing pedestrian connectivity between the hinterland to waterfront shared use and design flexibility of waterfront space concerns on PHO implications improving water quality supporting removal of on-street metered parking spaces at Hung Hing Road
9 Major Refinements to Address HC’s Comments Waterfront Connectivity and Accessibility Continuous waterfront promenade (East-West) Comprehensive pedestrian network plan (North-South) Elevated deck/bridge designs are indicative only, and are subject to detailed design at project implementation stage
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10 10 Major Refinements to Address HC’s Comments Shared Use Promenade A balanced approach has been adopted. Dedicated cycle trail is proposed at those areas that have sufficient width. Shared use arrangement between cyclists and pedestrians will be adopted at bottle neck sections/congested areas.
11 Major Refinements to Address HC’s Comments Implications on Protection of Harbour Ordinance Most HEPs have avoided reclamation Proposed cantilevered boardwalk along Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter at Water Sports and Recreation Precinct subject to further study at detailed design stage
Boardwalk on vertical/sloping seawall (and water body pending on width of final design)
12 Other Issues Water Quality E. coli levels in Victoria Harbour Stage 2A HATS have been substantially reduced
EPD is carrying out “Further Enhancing Quality of Coastal Waters of Victoria Harbour” to explore practical options to effectively reduce nearshore pollution and enhance water quality Future implementation agents should carry out separate water quality assessments during the detailed design and implementation stages to protect public health As a long term engineering solution to reduce water pollution, dry weather flow interceptors for Wan Chai East and Causeway Bay areas are being studied by EPD
13 Study Findings and Proposals
14 Refined Urban Design Framework
15 Refined Master Layout Plan and Recommended HEPs
16 Celebration Precinct Design Intention: To facelift the area to enhance its identity and public enjoyment
City View Plaza – Enhance harbour Celebration Plaza – viewing experience Celebration and ceremonial events
Landing Steps and Bollard
Sunset Plaza – Sunset sea view, outdoor exhibition, kiosks
Bauhinia Legend: Cantonese Room on Restaurant Landing Steps and Bollards G/F on G/F
Connection through HKCEC
Note: Would work out crowd control arrangement during event days
Landing Steps and Bollard
Normal and Event Days Normal Days Event Days 17 Implementation of Celebration Precinct
2020-21 2022-23 2023-24 and after
Construction Ani-com Park@Harbour“Fun” To consult the Task Force Phase II on the design concepts (Launched in April 2019)
To prepare and launch To carry out detail design design competitionkk and prepare tender
Funding Approval
Quick-win item 18 Pierside Precinct
Design Intention: To turn this piece of newly reclaimed land into a harbourfront to showcase the vibrancy and dynamics of Hong Kong, and offer diverse experiences
Harbour Performance Area: Gourmet Dining Square: An outdoor performance area to Square to provide quality allow for different kinds of gourmet dining and a multi- performance. Area to the north will purpose festive event space be designed as a stage while the area to the south will be developed as a viewing lawn and public audience area
19 Pierside Precinct
– Harbour Performance Area
– Gourmet Dining Square
20 Implementation of Pierside Precinct
2020-21 2022-23 2023-24 and after
To open promenade side To carry out detail design Construction first under incremental and prepare tender approach (380 m) Funding Approval Place making
To prepare and launch design competition
Quick-win item 21 Water Sports and Recreation Precinct Design Intention: To introduce water sports and recreation activities that would be open for public enjoyment to enhance the water-land interface to connect people to the water and to promote water friendly culture and activities
Water Sports and Recreation Centre:
Legend: - Flexible design to facilitate different water sports events and Landing Steps and Bollards activities - Harbour steps - Necessary back-of-house facilities - Sun bathing area
Landing Steps Landing and Bollards Steps Landing Steps and Bollards
Harbour Steps
Harbour Steps
22 Water Sports and Recreation Precinct
Hung Hing Road Streetscape Enhancement: To enhance the existing passageway along Hung Hing Road to facilitate a friendly and well-designed pedestrian link connecting to the Causeway Bay Boardwalk.
23 for illustrative purpose23 only Implementation of Water Sports and Recreation Precinct
2020-21 2022-23 2023-24 and after
To open promenade side first Water Quality Assessment To carry out detail under incremental approach design and prepare (270 m + 2 sets of landing steps) tender
Trials by Water Sports Funding Approval Sector Construction
Quick-win item 24 Revitalized Typhoon Shelter Precinct Design Intention: To revitalise the Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter to signify its historical characteristics, echoing with the presence of various cultural and historic elements
Legend:
Landing Steps and Bollards
Landing Steps
Landing Steps Landing Steps And Bollards
Revitalized Causeway Bay Typhoon The Northern Breakwater: Landing Steps Shelter: and bollards • Cantilevered viewing 4m • Non-stationary sight-seeing decks supported with Landing Steps and catering vessels proper landing steps for 10m 1.5m • Sampan services public access. (both subject to market interest) 25 Revitalized Typhoon Shelter Precinct
Causeway Bay Boardwalk: Considerations have been given to construct a cantilevered boardwalk along the water edge to provide a pleasant walking experience for visitors. Due to PHO implications, cantilevered boardwalk is regarded as an option for consideration in future subject to public aspirations
26 Implementation of Revitalized Typhoon Shelter
2020-21 2021 and after Study to improve Enhancement of Victoria Park environment of Road Promenade Causeway Bay “Details to be discussed under Typhoon Shelter to the next Agenda item” support floating restaurant
Feasibility Study on the Victoria Park Road Study on Cantilevered Landscaped Deck Boardwalk and Harbour Viewing Deck on Breakwater
Quick-win item 27 East Coast Park Precinct Design Intention: To promote the concepts of “well-being” and “healthy-living” by introducing various active and passive activities with well planned supporting facilities
Community Park Zone: At-grade Level
A diversity of active (e.g. Extreme Park, outdoor exercise area) and passive (e.g. Tai Chi, Yoga) programmes and activities will be provided within the Park Zone in the East Coast Park Precinct. A Pet Playground is proposed. Suitable amenities will be provided.
Landing Steps Legend: and bollards Landing Steps and Bollards
Roof-top Landscaped Park Zone: The roof-top of the CWB Tunnel Portal shall be Landing Steps converted into a community and bollards roof-top garden, which would allow public to make use of this precious urban space to engage in gardening activities (e.g. urban farming). 28 Implementation of East Coast Park Precinct
2020-21 2022-23 2023-24 and after
To open promenade side first under incremental approach To carry out detail design Construction (1.4 ha + breakwater) and prepare tender
To prepare Technical Funding Approval Feasibility Study Commence Construction
Quick-win item 29 Connectivity and Streetscape Enhancement Streetscape enhancement works proposed along the following five major entrance corridors to foster more attractive walking environment and guide visitors to the waterfront.
Hung Hing Road Expo Drive East Tonnochy Road (near the RHKYC)
Watson Road Oil Street 30 Connectivity and Streetscape Enhancement
1 West Landscaped Deck 3 Feature Bridge (To be completed by 2023/24 tentatively) (Under review) 2 East Landscaped Deck 4 Victoria Park Landscaped Deck (Under review) (To engage consultants in first half of 2020 31 to conduct Feasibility Study) Implementation
KEY FEATURES
1. Funding Secured • $6B earmarked in 2019-20 Budget 2. Incremental Approach • Since sites will only be released from infrastructural projects progressively • Both quick-win beautification and long-term planning implemented in parallel
32 Implementation
Major Tasks in 2020/21 Quick – Win Long –term Development
Celebration Precinct Ani-com Park@Harbour”Fun” Design Competition Phase II (launched in April 2019) Pierside Precinct To open promenade side first Design Competition under incremental approach (380m) Water Sports and Recreation To open promenade side first Water Quality Assessment Precinct under incremental approach (270m Trials by Water Sports Sector + 2 sets of landing steps) Revitalised Typhoon Shelter Enhancement of Victoria Park Road Feasibility Study on Landscaped Precinct Promenade Deck East Coast Park Precinct To open promenade side first under Technical Feasibility Study incremental approach (1.4 ha + breakwater) Others Finalising the Study for Enhancing the Design of Cycle Track within 33 Waterfront Promenades and conducting a trial scheme Other issues on our task list
• To introduce F&B (preferably with outdoor seating) where appropriate • To plan early for better connectivity, north to south, east to west • To plan early for provision of water, sewerage and electricity • To explore the provision of shelter, light and seating at suitable landing steps • To preserve / introduce bollards and relevant tie up facilities at suitable locations • To explore enhanced facilities other than those in conventional LCSD Parks for supporting water sports, cyclists and other open space users • To study with relevant bureaux and departments on better supporting marine users
34 THANK YOU