236 | Land, Public Works and Utilities
The ongoing studies carried out by the Planning Department include Hong Kong 2030: Planning Vision and Strategy; Study on Planning for Pedestrians; Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong; and a Study to Examine Ways to Centralise and Disseminate Planning Data.
Studies during the year included: Area Improvement Plan for Tsim Sha Tsui — Feasibility Study; the Study on the Development of Employment Projection Model for Strategic Land Use Planning; Kai Tak Planning Review; Feasibility Study on Further Development of Tseung Kwan O; Feasibility Study for Establishment of Air Ventilation Assessment System; and the Study on the Costs & Benefits of Building Rehabilitation and Redevelopment in the Urban Renewal Process.
Several surveys were also launched during the year to collect statistical data for planning use, including the Survey on Occupancy of Recently Completed Housing Unit; the Commercial and Industrial Floor Space Utilisation Survey; the Survey on Shopping Habits; and the 2004 Supplementary Survey of Cross Boundary Travel.
The department also worked on several major development proposals/studies, notably, Kai Tak Planning Review; the Central Reclamation Phase III; Wan Chai Development Phase II; Further Development of Tseung Kwan O Feasibility Study; the Penny's Bay Development to facilitate Hong Kong Disneyland Phase I; Feasibility Study on Establishment of Air Ventilation Assessment System; and the Study on Spa and Resort Facilities.
Urban Development Areas
Construction works and feasibility studies on new urban development areas generally follow the broad pattern of land use and guidelines in the Metroplan, and integrate with the replanning and redevelopment of adjoining old areas in a coordinated manner. The Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) is conducting detailed design of several site formation projects to provide new land for growth, to decant existing population and to provide or upgrade facilities to allow for the redevelopment of old and run-down areas.
Hong Kong Island
The Central and Wan Chai Reclamation extends along the waterfront from Sheung Wan to Causeway Bay. Three of the five reclamation phases have been completed the Central Reclamation Phases I and II, and the Wan Chai Reclamation Phase I. A comprehensive planning and engineering review of the Wan Chai Development Phase II project is now being undertaken and is expected for completion by end of 2005.
The construction of the Central Reclamation Phase III project started in February 2003 and will be completed by end 2008. This phase, together with the other phases of the Central and Wan Chai Reclamation, will accommodate strategic road, rail links. and waterfront promenade on the north shore of Hong Kong Island between the Central and Eastern Districts.