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Why you can trust SCMP
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Have you had problems using public open space?

I write in reference to the continuing debate about when a public space is not a public space.

I am astonished by both The Center (where I work) and Taikoo Place (where I dine most nights) for their naivety regarding their legal entitlements.

There seem to be many falsehoods surrounding not only right of access, but also how far that access is stretched.

Taikoo Place is on Tong Chong Street, which I believe to be a public thoroughfare, yet it is often blocked off by Swire Properties for whatever shindig they see fit or by digging it up at regular intervals.

People are forbidden from taking pictures of either The Center or Taikoo Place because of some weird idea that the pictures are the commercial property of a building. That would seem even more bizarre considering most tourists to Hong Kong take pictures of our beautiful skyline.

I must add, however, that Taikoo Place is not one of the most attractive office areas in Hong Kong, so perhaps Swire should be happy that someone wants to take pictures of it.

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