Scheme for commercial sites in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai raises worries about oversupply and traffic

The Government's proposal to offer four large commercial sites on Wan Chai and Causeway Bay waterfronts has drawn objections and reservations from developers.

Great Eagle Holdings voiced opposition to the plan while Sino Land said the market could not absorb so much commercial land supply.

In the latest Wan Chai Reclamation study, the Territory Development Department suggested offering four sites - two by rezoning and two on reclaimed land - that could provide a total floor area of six million square feet.

The largest site involves re-zoning a 2.75 hectare site covering the Wan Chai bus terminal and indoor gymnasium into a comprehensive development area. The site, in front of Sun Hung Kai Centre, Great Eagle Centre and Harbour Centre, could provide a gross floor area of 3.45 million sq ft, with a height limit of 221 metres.

The other site for rezoning is a 91,000 sq ft lot at the Fleet Arcade near Fenwick Pier, which could provide 1.3 million sq ft of commercial space.

The two reclamation sites, for hotel and retail development, include a 75,300 sq ft lot neighbouring the Police Officers Club and a 50,000 sq ft lot near Citicorp Centre and Island Eastern Corridor.