Report urges better air flow in Hung Hom
The density of residential developments along the Hung Hom waterfront should be reduced to improve air flow, a study by a government consultancy says.
The study, commissioned by the Planning Department, also suggests the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation surrender its freight yard in Hung Hom to make way for commercial and tourism development, which would lengthen and beautify the waterfront promenade. With the International Mail Centre site, it is estimated the land would bring in HK$5 billion in land premiums if redeveloped. A study on the land use of Hung Hom began in December and is aimed at formulating a comprehensive district plan to guide the planning and design of its harbourfront.
The report is open for public comment until October 20. A roving exhibition is scheduled from September 7 to September 13, and a public forum will be organised at Polytechnic University on September 15.
The study, released yesterday, recommends two blocks instead of three and the reduction of the plot ratio from nine to six for the 79,653 sq ft plot of land in Hung Luen Road, adjacent to the Hung Hom Peninsula estate. The land, which is included on the land application list, is estimated to be worth about HK$478 million.
'Current plot ratio ... is too dense for the locality. Reduction of plot ratio allows more room for green space,' the study said.
But the government's proposal to build 120-metre-high blocks will remain unchanged.
Charles Chan Chiu-kwok, managing director of Savills Valuation and Professional Services, said the lowering of the plot ratio would reduce the land value by at least one third.
For the site covering the KCRC freight yard and the mailing centre, the study suggests that a total of 95,000 square metres should be devoted to commercial use, and the remaining 29,000 square metres for open space.
Two medium-rise hotels should be built near the Hong Kong Coliseum, while low-rise retail and open space should be built closer to the waterfront.
The study also suggests the introduction of dining outlets along the waterfront promenade and re-cladding of the Marine Police mooring facility.
