AN experiment has been launched to get Wan Chai residents involved in redeveloping the district in a way that would retain its distinct character.
Students from Hong Kong University will spend the next six months trying to bring residents into the future planning of their neighbourhood before several urban renewal proposals pass through government.
They displayed photos of local landmarks at Wan Chai MTR station yesterday and handed out cameras asking locals to take their own snaps.
Housewives, tourists and business people were canvassed to get their views on how the area should look.
A report will be submitted to the Government outlining the findings.
'The housewives spend a lot of time in the market,' said Huang Luxin, an urban planning student.
'About 14 of the 21 I interviewed said they wanted to participate in the planning of Wan Chai but saw no opportunity.' The move comes after the Government announced it planned to set aside $100 million in next year's Budget for community environmental education.
