Scheme to build more flats at Kai Tak must be run by us first, Hong Kong planning experts say
Harbourfront guardians stress the need to get balance right and maintain quality of life in prime city area
Planning experts say they will keep a close watch on whether the government’s plan to further increase development density at Kai Tak will remain in line with original planning principles and parameters.
This comes after development minister Paul Chan Mo-po told the Post earlier this week that after increasing the number of flats to be built at Kai Tak by 4,500 last year, the government is now mulling another 11,000 by rezoning more hotel sites for residential use.
The plan, if approved by town planners, will increase the stock of flats and overall development density by 50 per cent from their original levels.
“[Chan] will still have to consult us on it and get it past the Town Planning Board,” said Vincent Ng Wing-shun, who chairs the Harbourfront Commission’s task force on Kai Tak.
“I will not say whether I am against it now, but as guardians of the harbourfront we will hold the line and ensure that they stick to all the planning principles.”
This would include keeping synergy between the development areas, environment and harbourfront and maintaining quality of life, he said.