Hopewell Holdings executives and green activists came within metres of a confrontation yesterday as both pushed their claims over the future of the Mega Tower project.
The two parties somehow missed each other, even though they were just a few metres apart outside the Hopewell Centre entrance in Wan Chai - dashing hopes of a public debate over rival development philosophies.
Upstairs, Hopewell chairman Sir Gordon Wu Ying-sheung defended his Mega Tower after learning the Conservancy Association had demanded that the Town Planning Board rezone as a green area government land falling within the project.
'I just want to build a hotel. I don't understand why I have to face so many complications. Maybe it is because I am too outspoken and [have] embarrassed too many people,' the tycoon said.
Sir Gordon described his intention to build two hotel towers bordering Ship Street and Kennedy Road as a 'win-win situation'.
'I pay a premium to the government; there will be new cash to Treasury. I build a hotel and improve the environment of the neighbourhood and I create 6,000 jobs,' he said.
'If I don't do anything, it will just remain an abandoned slope frequented by mice and drug addicts.'