The words “square” and “plaza” evoke images of immense public space brimming with life and activities. Such places are also a city’s heart and soul. In Hong Kong, the words have a rather different meanings, though. They are usually the names of glitzy skyscrapers and shopping malls rather than places for public enjoyment. This situation is worsened when the streets are invariably narrow and crowded with passengers queuing up for buses, or with unauthorised extended shop fronts or illegally parked bicycles. The city is hardly pedestrian-friendly.

The government’s idea of building more pedestrian-friendly public plazas in new towns is therefore worth considering. In an interview with the Post, Director of Planning Ling Kar-kan said awareness of the need for a more “walkable” environment has been growing. The plan, he said, was to build public plazas in all future new towns to enhance people’s walking experience.

Under the plan, residential areas and other major facilities would be located within a walking distance of 10 minutes, or a radius of 500 metres, from train stations or bus terminals. The principle is simple – those who are willing to walk for at least 10 minutes should be rewarded with interesting experiences. Belated as it is, the direction is a refreshing change that should be seriously put into practice.

Equally important is the need for a facelift for old districts. Understandably, the design and space constraints in some areas have left government planners with little room to manoeuvre. Even though some streets have become pedestrian-only zones, they tend to draw crowds of performers, promoters and the like. A walk along the street is more pain than fun sometimes.