New rules may revolutionise waterfront
Statutory body will be able to create by-law so people can use the harbourfront as they wish - whether it's dining, cycling or walking the dog
The future Harbourfront Authority will be able to set its own rules to encourage activities not currently welcomed on the waterfront such as alfresco dining, cycling and street performance.
So said Harbourfront Commission chairman Nicholas Brooke as he launched the second round of consultation on the statutory body yesterday.
"The authority can create its own by-law or regulatory framework for management, maintenance and operation of its waterfront sites," Brooke said. "It could allow alfresco dining."
As to whether the body could ease existing problems created by multiple government departments running waterfront sites, Brooke said: "We believe what we have suggested will deliver a much improved solution."
The commission and Development Bureau begin a three-month consultation today to gauge views on the proposed operating and financial models. The body would run 12 sites across 37 hectares - newly reclaimed land from Central to North Point and new open space in Quarry Bay, Kwun Tong and Hung Hom. The ultimate aim is for it to manage the entire 73km harbourfront.
Brooke would not say why a People's Liberation Army berth on the new Central waterfront would not be managed by the authority. The rezoning of the 150-metre-berth from open space to military use in February is subject to a judicial review. Brooke said the site would be open to the public when not in military use.