Quay asset
Hong Kong is known worldwide for its first-class harbour and for the memorable skyline of high-rise towers set against a backdrop of sweeping green hills. Nevertheless, many would agree that in recent years the city has failed to capitalise on its unique natural asset so that our waterfront today offers limited access and few opportunities for the enjoyment of either residents or visitors.
However, the past six years have seen not only a fundamental change of public attitude towards the harbourfront but also real efforts by both the Harbour-front Enhancement Committee and the government to establish a framework to achieve improvements, draw up planning principles and prioritise projects that can bring immediate community benefits.
The recent announcement of the new Harbourfront Commission takes this preparatory work to the next stage: the commission is charged with the overall co-ordination and monitoring of harbourfront planning, which aims to ensure that design, development and management are effectively integrated.
This is particularly important as the government controls some 70 per cent of the harbour waterfront through different departments and agencies, and there is a need for an overarching entity to co-ordinate and monitor their activities, to address incompatible land uses and resolve conflicts.
Although the new commission is not a statutory body, it has a much wider remit than its predecessor, the Harbour-front Enhancement Committee. And given its terms of reference, I expect it to be proactive rather than reactive in addressing waterfront issues. It will act as an advocate and champion for the harbour; the intention is to bring about holistic and responsive changes.
The commission also intends to work in partnership with the private sector to tap its flair and creativity, so as to build a well-designed harbourfront that the public can enjoy. At the same time, the commission will adopt a more flexible approach to the harbourfront's management. Potential partners could include not only businesses with operational capabilities but also non-governmental organisations, district councils, special-purpose companies and even new forms of community-based trusts.
The commission comprises 28 members, of whom the majority will be non-officials, both individuals and representatives of organisations, together with the directors of relevant government departments. Secretary for Development Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor will act as vice-chairwoman, reflecting the priority that the administration attaches to the commission's work.
As the chairman, I see the need not only to bring together all the various ongoing initiatives but also to integrate these into a master plan for the harbour as a whole, so as to ensure that individual projects fit into the overall waterfront planning vision.
To realise the long-term objective of a world-class harbourfront, we need the people's support. Indeed, I see community involvement as essential to the success of the commission. Though the commission has yet to discuss and agree on the details of our work, I support the creation of task forces to drive individual projects which could, and should, include public representation. Panels of experts can advise the commission on design and management issues, and the most appropriate mode of public engagement, whether in projects initiated by the commission or proposals submitted by other groups.
An immediate challenge is the delivery of the master concept for the nearly completed Central reclamation which, given its location and prominence, will be seen as the yardstick for future harbour projects - we really do need to get this one right. There is also the need to monitor plans for Kai Tak, the impact of the Central-Wan Chai bypass on the north shore of Hong Kong Island, and plans for Tsim Sha Tsui, Island East and Hung Hom; the list goes on.
The Hong Kong harbourfront is an important public asset which should rank alongside other great waterfronts of the world; it should be accessible, vibrant and attractive, and bring people together. The development of a world-class waterfront will require strong leadership, effective procedures and close co-operation with the community and the private sector.
Above all, I hope that the commission can generate the necessary passion within Hong Kong people so that they will support its efforts to create a harbourfront of which we, and future generations, can all be proud.
Nicholas Brooke is chairman of the Harbourfront Commission
