Change in plans for iconic ‘goose egg’ building in Kwun Tong project ruffles feathers
Wider consultation should have been launched, concedes URA board member Judy Chan Ka-pui, who says she was kept in dark about details of new plan
Hong Kong's Urban Renewal Authority is drawing flak over a change in plans for an iconic oval-shaped building in a major Kwun Tong redevelopment project, with one board member conceding that a wider consultation should have been launched for the new design.
Southern District councillor Judy Chan Ka-pui said she had been kept in the dark about the changes laid out in a plan submitted to the Town Planning Board despite being a non-executive director in the authority.
Occupying about 570,000 sq ft, the multibillion-dollar Kwun Tong Town Centre Project will be the largest single project undertaken by the URA, affecting about 1,653 property interests and about 5,000 people.
At the centre of the redevelopment project was a unique office and retail complex shaped like a goose egg. The project’s design was supported by residents back in 2007.
However, this landmark was taken out of an amended plan submitted by the authority to the statutory board in June, sparking a public outcry. The change was made due to concerns over practicality and ease of management.
Speaking on a radio programme on Thursday, Chan admitted that the authority should have done a better job in seeking residents’ consensus on the change of design.