Green park forms heart of plan to revive Southorn Playground

Wan Chai will have a green park, four elevated basketball courts and a lowered football pitch at its centre if a design to rejuvenate Southorn Playground wins people's hearts, government permission and corporate sponsorship.

British designer Thomas Heatherwick and urban regeneration specialist Fred Manson unveiled their design yesterday after analysing views they had gathered during previous visits to the city.

Mr Manson was a key planner for the South Bank development in London, and Mr Heatherwick's designs include a 12-metre footbridge across the Grand Union Canal in Paddington Basin, London, that curls up at the touch of a button.

Mr Heatherwick said the park would not drive away the football and basketball enthusiasts who now use the park but would provide a public space that was welcoming to all.

The project, dubbed Hong Kong's first community-led public space design, was jointly organised by Wan Chai District Council and the British Council.

Although many hurdles remain before the project can go ahead, including government permission and funding, Wan Chai District Council chairwoman Ada Wong Ying-kay said yesterday she was optimistic.

A large wooden model of the design will be on display at the playground from tonight for the public to comment on.