Debate over the future of the Tamar waterfront site has become a rallying point for a groundswell of support for more public access to our harbour. It has had many twists and turns since the old naval shipyard at Admiralty was rezoned and opposition emerged to a massive development plan for new Central Government Offices.
Hopes of saving the magnificent site for public enjoyment are not looking any brighter today following a political change of heart by the Democratic Party.
The Democratic Party had opposed the government's development plan. Now it has watered down its stance. It is prepared to go along with a scaled down project that would preserve some public access - but sacrifice a lot of it.
The backdown weakens opposition to the government's plan that included the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong. The Democratic Party has gone it alone amid rumours of tension between the DAB and chief executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen. It has not ruled out further retreat. Chairman Lee Wing-tat says the party is still prepared to negotiate on its latest plan. This could help the government muster enough votes to push its own plan through the Legislative Council.
Harbour protection activists will feel let down. Only last month their hopes of saving the site from development were boosted when a report in the South China Morning Post revealed the existence of a secret, long-completed study that says it would be feasible to upgrade the present accommodation by renovating the Central Government Offices and rebuilding the Murray Building.
This is a cheaper option that deserves public scrutiny and debate. It may still be an alternative to lining yet more of the harbourfront with buildings of up to 30 storeys, a shopping mall and roads.