Opinion | Public outcry over Avenue of Stars plan is a message to the Hong Kong government: no bending of the rules will be tolerated
Peter Kammerer says as outrage over the Avenue of Stars redevelopment plan shows, Hong Kong people expect accountability in all public decisions
Hong Kong makes a big deal of rules and laws. They are what makes our city so different from the mainland, we are told. As long as we have, cherish and uphold them, we can feel secure and companies can confidently do business. Why, then, does the government on occasion act as if this pillar of society does not exist?
Any number of instances can be cited, but the one of late that rankles most is the decision to renew and enlarge New World Development's control of the eastern half of the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront to Hung Hom.
There is no better place to take in the view of Hong Kong Island's stunning skyline or enjoy the majesty of our city's most valuable natural asset, Victoria Harbour. It is a place for locals and tourists alike - passing it to a company to develop and manage violates a promise to give the harbour back to the people.
But that's just part of it: this was done without consultation or an open bidding process and at the cost of the area being closed for public use for an anticipated three years.
We only have to look at the travesty of Cheung Kong's 1881 Heritage project to be sceptical
During that time, New World, under a new 20-year deal, will revitalise the Avenue of Stars tourist attraction and add on a 500-metre extension to the 440-metre section it has managed since 2004 in front of its New World Centre, build a food plaza, film gallery and performance venue. Restaurants will also be put at nearby Salisbury Garden.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has promised that there will not be any high-end restaurants and shops, but we only have to look at the travesty of Cheung Kong's 1881 Heritage project on the site of the former Marine Police Headquarters to be sceptical.