An eyesore designed in secret? Or a new landmark for Hong Kong? This was the question asked in Gren Manuel's December 11 article on the 88-storey megatower planned for the Central Reclamation. The tower is scheduled to rise from the ground in six months' time, and continue until it reaches 420 metres, dwarfing Central Plaza and blocking the view from Tsim Sha Tsui and the Peak.
Today, we publish an edited selection of replies from officials as well as concerned members of the public.
From Mr Eric Tung Chi-ho, director of Central Waterfront Property Project Management, the tower's developers: I refer to your article entitled A soaring blight on our skyline and would like to make the following points: 1. Public consultation Your allegation that the building in question 'has been designed and planned almost entirely behind closed doors' is completely false: (a) Two full presentations on the project including detailed tower design were made to the Central and Western District Board on December 19, 1996 and April 24, 1997. Additionally a public forum, organised by District Board member Kam Nai-wai, was held at the Caritas Centre on November 28, 1996.
(b) Four huge banners measuring 60 metres by 15 metres and depicting the project's appearance have been displayed on all four sides of the site since June 21, 1998. They have been seen by countless people passing through the vicinity.
(c) Since November 1996, your own newspaper, has published at least five major articles about the project, with key information (including photos) provided by the developers. Even more prominent and frequent coverage has been given in the Chinese-language press. The project was also widely publicised in the developers' annual reports, newsletters and other publications, and was presented in various professional, academic and public forums such as Hong Kong Institute of Engineers and 'Designing Hong Kong' in early 1998.
2. Government approval The project was approved by the Town Planning Board on August 2, 1996 and the detailed design was sanctioned on May 9, 1997.
The developers have not only complied with the statutory requirements for development of this site, but they have also closely followed the guidelines set out in various government documents, particularly the Metroplan. Metroplan (a widely circulated document produced by the Planning Department) requires the creation of a new landmark building to reinforce the Central Business District and provide visual accessibility to the Airport Railway Station.
