The government has been urged to consider a proposal to revitalise the Seaview Building in Repulse Bay, instead of tearing it down, and sell it with an open space for hotel development.
Non-profit organisation Designing Hong Kong has suggested turning half of the car park next to the building, originally an open space, back into a space for public enjoyment.
Architect Vincent Ng Wing-shun said half of the existing car park could be used to accommodate coaches for tourists, while the other half could be made into a green space with trees and grass. The group said the proposal would cut existing traffic on Beach Road by 5 per cent. Idling coaches unloading tourists along Beach Road are a major source of traffic congestion.
Under the government's plan, the car park has been zoned as open space and will be sold with the Seaview Building for hotel development.
It would take only HK$10 million to HK$20 million to renovate the 60-year-old Seaview Building, Mr Ng said, adding the building could be turned into a vibrant place for alfresco dining, beach club and small shops serving beach-goers. Residents are worried that the proposed hotel development will aggravate traffic problems.
