Suggestions for enhancing the Kai Tak-Kwun Tong promenade
Updated: 2013-05-30 07:15
By Eddy Li(HK Edition)
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With the start-up of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in the middle of this year, the Runway Park Phase 1 in the Kai Tak Development Area will be opened in steps. Along with Phase 2 of Kwun Tong Promenade to be completed by next year, it will provide the citizens with a promenade of 11 km. At present, the SAR government is seeking suggestions for its development from the community.
As an important landmark in recent years, the Kai Tak-Kwun Tong promenade corresponds with the reconstruction plan of East Kowloon, benefiting the promotion of local tourism and the economy.
The government's plan, however, has clearly suffered from a series of frustrations. The plan first began in 2003, but until now, there are only a few sections open and the area lacks a kernel to its theme.
Apart from the fact the promenade is similar to the ones in Tsim Sha Tsui or Wan Chai and equipped with magnificent sea views, it is also richly endowed by nature, sitting face to face with the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal at the end of the former runway and guarding the Lei Yue Mun Strait. So it will be the first sight for cruise passengers' eyes and their first impression of Hong Kong depends on it. Therefore, great importance must be attached to the design of the promenade.
The promenade should first serve the needs of sightseeing and relaxation, and one with a cultural tone can greatly enhance the attraction. I think the government can reference Harajuku in Tokyo or Shichahai in Beijing, which respectively represent fashion and historic culture, to provide a location for creative culture by building an artistic road. It will have the double advantage of both improving popularity and promoting creativity.
Instead of considering only the huge quantity of space onshore, the offshore facilities can shed luster on the whole promenade by realizing the land-water interactivity. And I believe the following three points should be given priority in the authorities' consideration.
First, a fountain or stage on the sea; years ago, when the East Asian Games was held in Hong Kong, a sea stage was designed for the opening ceremony. This is so creative we can base the entire design on it. If we can build a large-scale sea stage with a sea fountain combining a musical fountain with singing and dancing, a new highlight will be added to Hong Kong tourism.
Second, canoeing activities; between the former runway and Kowloon Bay, there is a calm harbor that can be used for canoeing competitions, on one hand promoting water sports, and attracting tourists and citizens on the other.
Third, berthing for yachts; we can always feel an elegant taste at the harbors of cities like Monte Carlo, Sydney, New York or Portsmouth, for we can see yachts everywhere, which give us an impression of relaxation, elegance and dynamics. It is suggested that the authorities should create some berths for people to closely enjoy viewing, so the promenade's aspect is enhanced further.
As for why the plan has been executed at such a snail's pace, it is because some sections are still owned by individuals, and the government must allocate a huge amount of funds and time to purchase them in stages. As far as I know, most of the private owners are actually supportive of the development plan, so why does the government not consider cooperating with these individuals? Private owners are allowed to develop their own sections by themselves, provided that the related designs strictly abide with the integral planning and requirements set by the government. In this case, such a plan of action saves a lot of money and accelerates the speed of the promenade's development.
I sincerely hope that, with the aforementioned suggestions, the promenade will soon become a commendable new landmark in the city.
The author is vice-president of the Chinese Manufacturer' Association of Hong Kong.
(HK Edition 05/30/2013 page1)