Planners outline their 'smart city' vision for Kowloon East
How planners hope technology will change life for the better in districts
Planners drawing up a "smart city" blueprint for Kowloon East have outlined some changes that embedded digital technology might bring to everyday life there in the next few years.
Families taking part in festive events at the Kwun Tong promenade will take less time to get from the MTR to the waterfront, thanks to a sensor attached to the traffic light system on Lai Yip Street, which in seconds will change the red light to green people waiting inside a yellow boundary line.
They can also tour the Kai Tak cruise terminal by renting a bike and returning it to any rental station in Kwun Tong after visiting the once-industrial but now upmarket commercial area.
Among the old blocks are new buildings with vertical greening, large apertures for better ventilation and top ratings for eco-friendliness. A nullah on nearby King Yip Street has been cleaned up and turned into a small river with alfresco dining alongside.
In the area currently occupied by Kowloon Bay Vehicle Exam Centre, commercial developments equipped with integrated waste-handling systems will be built, allowing waste generated by commercial users to be sorted automatically at the press of a button.
Refuse stations occupying the ground floor will become redundant. The space saved will be used to enlarge public spaces.