Replace Central Market with an ‘oasis’, Hong Kong district councillor urges amid unclear government plans
Paul Zimmerman says his idea for the 175-year-old building will create more open spaces and make it pleasant to walk in the area
Southern District councillor Paul Zimmerman collaborated with a local architectural firm and planned to present his proposal for the 175-year-old market to the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) on Monday.
He recommends replacing the entire building with a footbridge and “urban plaza” below for people to relax and enjoy a green space in the middle of one of the busiest districts in Hong Kong.
“If you look at the site and ask ‘how can it best be used?’, then the best use would be as a park because we have no open space anywhere connecting Queen’s Road and Des Voeux Road,” Zimmerman said.
“All the pavements and alleys are extremely narrow and congested, to the point that it is unpleasant to walk in Central, so this will be an opportunity to create a massive open space.”