Piazza will be public space for all to enjoy
27 June 2009
South China Morning Post

We refer to Charlie Chan Wing-tai's letter (Iconic Star Ferry will suffer if bus terminal is relocated, June 20) and would like to clarify plans for the piazza.

We would like to make clear that there will not be any five-storey shopping mall on the planned piazza to be constructed adjacent to the Star Ferry Pier.

In fact, under land use zoning restrictions, commercial uses are not allowed. The objective of developing the piazza is to provide open space for both locals and visitors. The piazza will offer a landscaped leisure space, seats and a venue for public activities. The project will also preserve the existing Star Ferry Pier, the Clock Tower, the five flag poles and the King of Kowloon Tsang Tsou-choi's graffiti.

The Antiquities and Monuments Office says the bus terminus is neither a graded building/structure nor an item on the list of historic buildings. It has been extensively altered, which has diminished its heritage value.

The Transport Department will construct a new turnaround at Salisbury Road outside the Cultural Centre, with bus stops and taxi stands. The piazza will therefore enhance pedestrian flow, improve the connectivity between the pier and other areas in Tsim Sha Tsui, which will boost the patronage of the Star Ferry.

In June 2005, the Legislative Council's Finance Committee approved
HK$275 million for construction of a transport link in Tsim Sha Tsui East, including a new bus terminus with a podium garden, to replace the pier terminus. This bus terminus started operating in August 2007.

In June last year, we obtained Legco support for organising a competition for a design that the piazza development will be based on.
The final results will be announced early next year.

In firming up the design, we will consider the needs and expectations of the public. We will also ensure that it is a leisure space for the enjoyment of locals and visitors.

Winifred Chung, for the Commissioner for Tourism

(上次更新: 2009-07-13)