C&WDC CLSAC Paper No. 38/2014 Annex I

Request for Addition of Barrier Free Access between Cluster of “Tong Lau” at Wing Lee Street and “PMQ” during the Revitalisation of Market into News-Expo

The reply of Hong Kong News-Expo Limited and Development Bureau:

Q1: For the revitalisation of the old market into News-Expo, what is the design of the barrier free access? What are the details on the lift installation, and how would the lift serve as barrier free access connecting the cluster of “Tong Lau” and “PMQ”. Please provide details.

A1: The Hong Kong News-Expo Limited (“We”) will install a new lift at the back of the Bridges Street Market to provide barrier-free access to all floors of the building. The lift shaft will be built with transparent and light materials to reduce the visual impact on the existing building façade. Wheelchair users and other persons in need can enter the G/F of the building at Bridges Street level. They can take the lift to the 1/F where a new lift landing connected to Shing Wong Street will provide barrier-free access to Wing Lee Street. (There is no stairs at this level of Shing Wong Street connecting to Wing Lee Street.) The installation of the new lift at the revitalised project will provide an indirect barrier-free access to Wing Lee Street.

Q2: Currently, there is only one entrance at Bridges Street. Is this sole entrance adequate if there is barrier free access? How can wheelchair users enter and leave the News-Expo?

A2: (i) The flow of visitors is expected to increase with the opening of the Hong Kong News-Expo. We would need a special entrance to facilitate wheelchair users’ easy access to the building.

(ii) We propose to build a new side entrance at the eastern side of the building currently occupied by the Refuse Collection Point, which will be removed to make way for the reinstatement of the stairs on Shing Wong Street. The new entrance is near to our reception counter and our staff can offer immediate assistance to those in need. The location of the new entrance is carefully designed to keep as much of the building façade intact as possible. (iii) The proposal of the new entrance and other alteration and addition works has been submitted to the Buildings Department and are subject to their approval.

Q3: After removal of the refuse collection point on the eastern side, will the land be within the boundary of News-Expo? This is the original site where Dr Sun Yat-sen received baptism. How can the design reflect this history?

A3: The existing Refuse Collection Point will be demolished and reinstated as street steps to integrate with the stairs of Shing Wong Street. This will create a boardwalk for uphill or downhill pedestrians. The Government will be responsible for the maintenance and management of this reinstated area.

We recognise the importance of this area with regard to Dr Sun Yat-sen. This part of history will be included in a documentary video that we are producing about the association of Dr Sun Yat-sen with the Bridges Street Market. The documentary video will be continuously shown in the News-Expo. We propose to retain the plaque which marks the American Congregational Mission Preaching House (2 Bridges Street), the fourth spot of the Dr Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail.

Q4: What is the greening proposal of News-Expo?

A4: The reinstatement of Shing Wong Street stairway provides a perfect opportunity to put in place some pedestrian friendly facilities, such as landscaping and planting and a sit-out and resting area.

(Received on 16 September 2014)

C&WDC Secretariat September 2014