ExclusivePlanning chiefs reveal vision for more public space in heaving Hong Kong
Ideas include turning roads into public spaces, more pedestrian zones and creating performance areas under bypasses
Planning officials say they are contemplating “out-of-the-box” solutions to provide more recreational space in built-up areas to meet higher standards set out in the city’s latest long-term development blueprint.
Roads took up 27 per cent of ground-level space in Mong Kok, one of the world’s most densely populated areas, while public space accounted for just 5 per cent, Steven Yik Ho-siu, of the Planning Department, said.
“If we look at the characteristics of each district, we can find out where the potential is to release more public space,” he said. “In the case [of Mong Kok], if we turn 1 per cent of roads into recreational space, we can enlarge the space by 5 per cent.”
Released in October for a six-month public consultation, 2030 Plusproposes to increase the ratio of open space per person from the current two square metres to 2.5 square metres.