Silvermine Beach to get cultural makeover

It was a tough task for Islands District councillors - deciding which of its more than 20 islands was most in need of a HK$100 million boost.

But after four meetings considering 13 proposals, they decided to put the funds towards revitalising Silvermine Beach at Mui Wo, Lantau Island.

The money will be used to create outdoor art and culture scenic areas for tourists and residents.

A community centre will also be built in Yung Shue Wan on Lamma Island.

The plans which were not chosen included a hiking trail linking Discovery Bay and the Disneyland Resort, on Lantau.

There was also a proposal to renovate the Tai O community hall, and one to build a food and dining market in Tung Chung, both also on Lantau. And it was suggested the Cheung Chau ferry pier be expanded.

Tang Ka-piu, also a Federation of Trade Unions lawmaker, said, while he was disappointed his Tung Chung market plan was not going ahead, all the councillors had agreed that Silvermine Beach should be improved.

The beach area needed work, but there had not been the funding to do it, he said.

"The Mui Wo community is on the decline. There are fewer tourists, fewer residents, and yet the ferry fares are rising," Tang said.

"You hear of holidaymakers going to Tai O, going to Lamma Island, going to Cheung Chau. You seldom hear of people going to Mui Wo."

And the Tung Chung market plan may come up again - in the Legislative Council.

Tang added that projects which miss out on the HK$100 million could still get government assistance, especially if they are tourism-related.