The government has decided to shelve its long-discussed proposal to build a piazza to replace the Tsim Sha Tsui ferry pier's bus terminus, blaming technical difficulties and public opposition.
The demolition plans were approved by the Legislative Council seven years ago but were delayed after members of the public and activists pressed for the 'historical' structure to be preserved.
The original plan to relocate the terminus to Mody Road was revised last year. Instead, officials proposed building a smaller hub at the present waterfront location, reducing the size of the planned piazza by 40 per cent.
Leslie Chan Ka-long, chairman of Our Bus Terminal, a group that has opposed the redevelopment plan since 2008, welcomed the government's decision, saying the terminus should stay because of its historical value and practical uses.
'This is a victory for all the citizens and councillors who signed our petitions, who took part in our protests and who pointed out [the] government's fault,' he said.
The redevelopment plan had elicited 7,000 opinions. The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said the public and district council strongly opposed the plan due to concerns about delays to traffic and commuters.
A bureau spokesman said the plan was scrapped because the piazza would bring limited economic benefits, as the area was already a developed tourist spot, particularly with the presence of the 1881 Heritage dining and shopping complex.