Walking the Walk

WALKING THE WALK Environmentalist Markus Shaw explains how an exciting initiative close to his heart would transform the central business district through the creation of a pedestrian-friendly zone n the beginning there was the Praya, a stretch of of a section of Broadway in New York easy? Will the Hong Kong’s waterfront and the heart of Chinese pedestrianisation of Singapore’s Orchard Road, or the entrepreneurship. Then, with reclamation of the proposal to ban cars from downtown Madrid, be easy? harbour, the Praya became Des Voeux Road Central We’re under no illusion that we can achieve our final (DVRC). In those days, trams and foot traffic on goal all at once, so we’re working on two projects to Ithe key thoroughfare interacted freely, and there demonstrate the feasibility of Walk DVRC’s vision. were no barriers squeezing pedestrians into narrow The first is an international design competition, footpaths. But today, DVRC is a mess, a horrendous with designers, architects and urban planners pedestrian experience, the most polluted street along around the world invited to submit concepts for the the north shore of Hong Kong Island, and neither transformation of DVRC. The competition criteria disabled-friendly nor elderly-friendly. The side streets require the proposals to be realistic and feasible. are uninviting and underused; there’s serious traffic The winner will be announced in December during congestion; and the street furniture, such as it exists, Business of Design Week and will have the opportunity is poorly designed and badly executed. Cities like New to address forums during the event. York, Paris, Madrid or Singapore, which understand We’re also working on staging a Sheung Wan Fiesta the benefits of valuing people over cars, have turned involving the pedestrianisation of two blocks of DVRC, or are turning their CBDs into desirable destinations from Western Market to Hillier Street, for 90 days. A attractive to workers and visitors alike. We can do this gastronomy element will showcase local food, there’ll too. In fact, I believe Hong Kong can do it better. be a strong arts and cultural element involving local To this end, Walk DVRC, of which I am chair, was talent and, more importantly, there will be sitting founded in January last year as a non-governmental out, greening and gaming areas that will show the organisation to move forward a project for the community how the street can be used for pleasure revitalisation of DVRC between Pedder Street and when cars are not present. The fiesta will enable us to Western Market. The plan envisages a fairer sharing measure the day-to-day impact of pedestrianisation of space between vehicles and pedestrians, with the on people’s lives and how traffic patterns change. trams and one eastbound vehicle lane continuing to We’re applying for funding at the moment—the budget operate and the rest of the street being given over is around HK$12 million—and hoping to stage the to pedestrians. This would result in an immediate fiesta next year. reduction in air pollution and an improved walking I’ve been involved in many environmental experience, making the whole area much more campaigns and this is the first in which no one I speak pleasant for visitors and those working there. to thinks it’s a bad idea. The city’s young people have a But the project is not only about DVRC; the very different vision for Hong Kong than their parents pedestrianisation would promote the regeneration and grandparents. In the 1950s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, of our entire decaying CBD, creating vibrant the population was growing by one million people a neighbourhoods and showcasing the rich history decade. That presented huge challenges, which we of this unique area. This isn’t about gentrification. met by building public housing, hospitals, schools It’s about opening up a neglected space that has and roads. significant cultural value to the city. Today, the city’s population is stable and young Walk DVRC is a placemaking opportunity that is people are more interested in the environment, health, also about connectivity and accessibility. Des Voeux community living and friendly neighbourhoods. By Road Central runs right through the middle of iconic turning DVRC into a walkable district, Hong Kong will sites such as Tai Kwun, PMQ, Man Mo Temple, be joining other world-class cities in valuing people THE ROAD Central Market and Western Market. Pedestrianising over cars and prioritising health and well-being. AHEAD Markus Shaw the thoroughfare will give residents and visitors easy, on Des Voeux comfortable access to all of these great sites. Walk DVRC is currently raising HK$2 million to fund Road Central PHOTOGRAPHY: MOSES NG The scheme sounds ambitious, and I’m not the design competition and fiesta. If you would like to saying it will be easy. Was the pedestrianisation donate, please email [email protected] 126 hong kong tatler . august 2018 hong kong tatler . august 2018 127.

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