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With the decision not to redevelop the Tsim Sha Tsui ferry pier bus terminus, we have once again seen the difficulty of trying to balance the views of the public and the need for heritage conservation.
There have been no appropriate renovation projects at the pier and I consider it to be something of a dead zone. Nearby residents do not even see it as an important transport interchange.
After the government announced its change of heart, heritage lovers expressed their relief that the terminus would remain and would not be replaced by a piazza.
However, constructive suggestions about what we should do now were absent.
Over time I believe the pier at Tsim Sha Tsui, if it is left as it is, will lose its historical value. It will gradually fade from our collective memories.
The government could still go ahead with its planned project and would not have to reduce the size of the piazza it had planned by 40 per cent.
It is not necessary to have this area as a terminus for 15 bus routes.
The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau could come up with an arrangement whereby shuttle buses could take passengers to a new terminus in Mody Road. This still meets the transport needs of the public.
This would not cause too much inconvenience to passengers using the present terminus. Once this was done officials could focus on revitalisation of the pier.
What is needed is a comprehensive assessment by the government to look at the feasibility of the project and ensure there is no waste of taxpayers' money.
Siu Leung-wing, Shau Kei Wan


Renovation urged for Hong Kong's Tsim Sha Tsui ferry pier to revive 'dead zone'

Star Ferry pier could lose its historical value. Photo: Sam Tsang

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