IN these dark times it is comforting to realise there are plans afoot for the greater glorification of our humble Special Administrative Region.
When the financial squalls have spent themselves on these rocky shores and the rays of a kinder economic light shine down, Hong Kong people will, we hope, be able to dust themselves down and get on with their future.
The big question remains what kind of future that will be. The subject of planning controls and the golden opportunity presented by the redevelopment of Kowloon Bay and its environs has been grist to the mill of these columns before.
So it was keen interest that greeted the news of proposals by the Society for the Protection of the Harbour to develop a cruise-liner terminal facility on the former Kai Tak airport runway.
This debate is less of a trifle than it may at first appear. First, architecture is no carbuncle - whatever minor European royals might have to say. Carbuncles can be lanced, their stain wiped from the otherwise blemish-free face. Architecture is somewhat more permanent, and when it takes root in a cankered form it can destroy a city's face and prospects.
The aim, says the society, is to attract very large cruise ships to Hong Kong, ready to disgorge 2,000 dollar-toting shopping-machines.
To pander to their needs there would be a complex of shopping centres and restaurants, bars and other amenities.
