Journey to the East: Kai Tak

Kai Tak

The $100 billion Kai Tak development plan is divided into three phases, spanning over 12 years (see here). It includes the construction of public and private housing estates, parks, schools, tourism centers, and most controversially, a cruise terminal, which is designed to draw tourists to the area. Dr. Thomas Chan, Head of the China Business Centre at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, questions whether it’s appropriate to develop terminals on such a large scale. “There was no research to determine whether the land could have been used in a more cost effective way,” he says. Another issue is whether the timing for the construction of the terminal is in the best interests of Hong Kong citizens. Vincent Ng from the Institute of Architects expresses dissatisfaction with the implementation schedule. “I can’t see why the government left the development of the public waterfront park until the very last phase of the project,” he says. “We’ve waited 10 years for this plan, and now we have to wait another 10 years for a park that everyone can enjoy.”

Ng also argues that the multi-purpose sports complex—another public facility—should be built earlier, a belief echoed by legislator Patrick Lau. He also feels that the government is being particularly unfair to public housing estate residents, who will have to move into the new town before any public facilities are built, much like what happened in Tuen Mun and Tin Shui Wai. “The government should build the public facilities first, and the private residential project should be developed side by side with the public housing estate. The government is supposed to be for the people, so why do they choose to neglect the needs of the public housing estate residents?” he asks.

While Lau concedes that constructing a new town could revive the nearby old districts, he expresses concern as to how the new area will interact with the old. “What we really lack is a holistic vision with regard to urban planning,” he adds. “We can’t just zone a site and decide what we want to put there without thinking about what’s going on nearby.”

The Old Kai Tak

A few minutes from the old Kai Tak airport is Nga Tsin Wai Village, the last remaining indigenous village in Kowloon. The Ng, Chan and Lee clans have been living there for almost 700 years, since 1352. In October 2007, the Urban Renewal Authority announced the commencement of the Nga Tsin Wai Village project. Under the URA’s “innovative preservation-cum-redevelopment approach,” the entire village will be razed, save for the central axis of the village home to eight village houses. The layout of the pedestrian lanes will also be preserved, in addition to the 17th century Tin Hau temple, the gatehouse and the embedded stone tablet. Though the day of demolition is yet to be confirmed, it is certain that most of Nga Tsin Wai Village’s original character will be gone, and with it the hawkers, barbers and fruit sellers that make up the neighborhood.

		One of the village’s icons is Tsang, a 72-year-old who claims to be the Chinese legendary character “Chai Kun.” “Everyone here knows me. People treat me to a little wine once in a while,” says Tsang, who lives in the housing estate nearby.
		This nameplate at the village’s entrance is said to be a gift from an ancient king and will be preserved by the URA.
		Tin Hau Temple, dating back to the 17th century, can be found right at the center of the village.
		“I live nearby. I often come down here to chat to people. I don’t think the renewal is a negative thing. It improves life; it won’t be so dark and dilapidated here and life will be more comfortable,” says Mr. Wu.
		“Times change and urban renewal is an unchangeable fact,” says village head Ng Chi-wing. “No doubt, it is a shame to see the village and the people disappear. Those who are still living in the village will face a difficult time when renewal gets underway.”

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“I don’t live in Nga Tsin Wai Village, but I’ve been coming here for haircuts for over 10 years. It’s cheap,” says a customer waiting for a haircut at the local barber.

Journey to the East of Kowloon and take a look at another area, Kwun Tong, that is also slated for a redevelopment.