Architecture students offer greener plan for Kai Tak area
Local concern groups are urging the government to develop the neighbourhood of the former Kai Tak airport site into a nature and heritage district.
The call came after the Town Planning Board decided in August to slash the scale of proposed commercial development along the Kai Tak nullah, turning the nullah into a river with green scenery and lower building heights in the area.
Fourteen master's students in architecture at Chinese University have proffered designs for southeast Kowloon in response to a plan to develop the vicinity into a commercial area with a cruise ship terminal and stadium. In co-operation with legislator Chan Yuen-han, the Conservancy Association and district residents, they are pushing a holistic approach to revitalising the district.
Under the proposal, pavements would line the two sides of the former nullah, and trees would be planted alongside. Walls of the channel would be painted by graffiti artists. Unlike the board's plan to cover up the 2km of upper stream, the entire 3.4km river would be preserved.
A bicycle lane is also proposed, linking the Wong Tai Sin area with the old Kai Tak site. The lane would pass such historic sites as the Buddhist temple of Chi Lin Nunnery and the Nga Tsin Wai walled village. The village would be refurbished as a site for music, theatre and art exhibitions.
Wallace Chang Ping-hung, an architecture professor, said the proposal would preserve the area's history and natural environment.
'There is a misconception that Hong Kong history is in the Central and Western district, but I think newcomers to this grass roots area after the second world war have their own history,' he said.
Ms Chan said she proposed the idea to Development Secretary Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor. The lawmaker hopes to exhibit the four models made by the students and her colleagues in shopping malls to raise awareness and promote discussions with the government.
