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Infrastructure Development and Heritage Conservation
conservation policy and initiatives, drawn up in response to public aspirations, aim to facilitate active public involvement in protecting Hong Kong's heritage.
From 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2012, the Development Opportunities Office (DOO) co-ordinated land development proposals (and related consultation) that would bring social and economic benefits to Hong Kong. Since the DOO's closure, the Energising Kowloon East Office has taken over its work in relation to land development proposals in Kowloon East; while the Development Bureau and relevant departments have assisted other land development projects where required and appropriate.
Planning for Hong Kong
Strategic town planning provides an important framework for Hong Kong's future development. The 2007 report 'Hong Kong 2030: Planning Vision and Strategy' provides a framework for planning the city's long-term development. Its focus includes providing Hong Kong with a good quality living environment, enhancing its economic competitiveness and strengthening its links with the Mainland.
Harbourfront Enhancement
The Government is committed to protecting and beautifying Victoria Harbour. Promenades in the new Central harbourfront and Hoi Yu Street were completed and opened to the public in 2012, while work on other harbourfront enhancement projects, including Kai Tak Runway Park Phase 1 and Kwun Tong Promenade Phase 2, progressed well. In a report to the Chief Executive, the Harbourfront Commission recommended the establishment of a Harbourfront Authority to push ahead the design, development, operation and management of harbourfront projects. with a creative and innovative mindset under a flexible framework to realise the long-term objective of an attractive, vibrant, accessible and sustainable harbourfront. The Government will collaborate with the Harbourfront Commission to consult the public on the proposal in 2013.
Energising Kowloon East
In June, the Energising Kowloon East Office (EKEO) was set up in the Works Branch of Development Bureau to steer and monitor the transformation of Kowloon East, comprising the former industrial areas of Kwun Tong and Kowloon Bay, and the new Kai Tak development, into another core business district — a place where people would like to work, to do business, to walk, to stay and to play. The EKEO applies an integrated strategy for planning, design, implementation, management and community engagement to create good quality public spaces for people's enjoyment and improvement of Kowloon East's pedestrian environment.
The Conceptual Master Plan, focused on enhancing connectivity, branding, design and diversity for Kowloon East, will be refined in the light of public feedback. In 2012, 39 briefings, seminars, workshops and forums with more than 1,870 participants were held to gauge public views and 33 organisations and delegations from 20 countries/cities visited the EKEO. Work is ongoing on various fronts, including urban improvement works, public engagement and branding activities, studies on improving Kowloon Bay Business Area's pedestrian environment and on Kowloon East's industrial culture, and the establishment of a one-stop service to facilitate implementation of both private and public sector projects.
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