What do you think of Times Square's public space?
Times Square management is being criticised for letting out its ground floor piazza space for profit.
It has been suggested that the piazza is public space and the public has a right to use the space, and that the management has no right to stop public use of the piazza. It has even been suggested temporary exhibitions held at the piazza infringe the rights of the public. I think the government should clarify matters as soon as possible.
There are many of these open spaces in Hong Kong, designed for public use.
Often when developers create these public spaces, they get something in return. However, sometimes it is difficult for people to recognise a clear line of demarcation - to know where the public space ends and the private area begins.
That makes it difficult for people to know if they are infringing the rights of the developer. Quite often, a developer will restrict access to what may turn out to be a public area and this is clearly not in the public interest.
There must be a balance struck between the development gains and what is in the public interest. Officials have a duty to issue clarifications where grey areas are identified.
