Lawmakers fear wall effect if towers built near Two IFC
Legislators yesterday urged the government to revise plans for commercial buildings on the Central waterfront, saying they would block harbour views and create a wall effect that reduces wind flows.
They were speaking at a meeting of a Legco subcommittee reviewing the development scheme for two sites to the north of Two International Finance Centre.
'Two large eyesores would stand where the citizens should otherwise enjoy the harbour view,' independent legislator Kwok Ka-ki said.
'The 1.89-hectare site 1 would be a disaster, with a 12-to-14 storey hotel building there to block the sea view.'
The two sites adjoining Central piers 4, 5 and 6 were formed under the first phase of the Central reclamation and are covered by a zoning plan approved in 2003.
Site 1, which is closer to the piers, would have a maximum gross floor area of 55,740 square metres and feature a hotel and shopping complex of 12 and 14 storeys on a three-level podium.
Site 2, which is closer to Two IFC, would feature a 28-storey office building and public transport interchange.
Legislator Choy So-yuk, of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, said she had been shocked to learn of the plans for the two sites.
'A huge windscreen would form if the whole thing stood up,' said Ms Choy. 'The government has forced its way in destroying the Star Ferry clock tower, but can we all sit down and discuss it this time?'
Chief town planner Phyllis Li Chi-miu, of the Planning Department, said the plan had gone through proper consultations without much opposition from the public.
'It's probably too early to conclude that they will become 'windscreen' buildings before a thorough assessment is made,' said Ms Li.
DAB lawmaker Chan Kam-lam backed the plan and dismissed the argument a wall effect would be created. 'I think the overall planning has struck a balance between citizens' use of the waterfront and the city's economic development,' said Mr Chan. 'A 28-storey building is not likely to cause any windscreen effect if built in the middle of skyscrapers as high as 80 storeys.'
