The harbourfront promenade connecting Tamar and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) is open to the public today (October 21). Members of the public can now stroll or jog along the 4.5-kilometre promenade from the Western Wholesale Food Market at Shek Tong Tsui all the way to the HKCEC in Wan Chai. This is the longest harbourfront promenade within the Victoria Harbour by far.
Being part of the harboufront enhancement initiative for Wan Chai and located on a piece of newly reclaimed land, this new promenade section is about 560 metres long and six metres wide. In accordance with the "incremental approach" advocated by the Government and the Harbourfront Commission, the Harbour Office of the Development Bureau has arranged to first complete and open the waterfront section of this site for early public enjoyment about 15 months ahead of the original schedule. The remaining works of the promenade system will continue and are targeted to be completed in early 2021.
Providing a panoramic view of Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, the new promenade section is one of the best spots to enjoy the sunset with the Central Business District on both sides of Victoria Harbour as a backdrop. A simplistic design has been adopted, while interesting facilities and installations with human touches are displayed and will be renewed periodically in collaboration with community designers to enhance the uniqueness and attractiveness of the promenade.
The Harbour Office thanked the Hong Kong Design Centre for arranging the display of colourful and meaningful public installments designed by teachers and students of the Hong Kong Design Institute along the promenade, providing areas for the public to rest and appreciate the creativity of young local designers.
The On Tai Mini Workshop has also launched its first communal development project along the harbourfront. Under the theme of "Growth from the Earth, Our Home", the miniature art pieces are installed and will be updated from time to time to bring back the memories of old Hong Kong. One would not want to miss the transparent tiles showing the living spaces in the old days of Hong Kong, as well as other creative works to come.
Technology may also enrich visitors' experiences along the harbourfront. The Harbour Office is working with Tech Hill Limited, a startup company founded in the Hong Kong Science Park, to introduce augmented reality features along the harbour. With the gradual introduction of various features, visitors can discover more about the surrounding landmark buildings by scanning relevant QR codes on the promenade, as well as take photos and produce customised electronic postcards with their mobile phones or tablets.
The Harbour Office also attaches importance to sustainable design. To this end, water-filling machines and plastic bottle reverse vending machines will be installed to encourage the public to bring their own water bottles and reduce plastic waste.
In addition, four sets of public landing steps built along the promenade area also open today to encourage better water-land interfacing and create more opportunities to activate the water body of Victoria Harbour in future.
The second phase of the works to be completed in early 2021 will bring about more facilities, including a fun area for children, sheltered seatings, grass footpaths and viewing hillocks. The Civil Engineering and Development Department will also carry out the construction of a landscaped deck west of the HKCEC, connecting the harbourfront promenade with the existing elevated walkway network at Harbour Road in Wan Chai to provide the public with a more direct and convenient access from Wan Chai to the harbourfront. These developments will further enhance the vibrancy and attractiveness of the harbourfront along Central, Admiralty and Wan Chai.
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