HONG KONG PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
455
Treasury; and (iii) promote tourism. It is hoped that the Government will expedite redevelopment of the Central Market site to ameliorate the very undesirable environment at present and to optimize its use. We must not waste this prime site.
Hong Kong plays an important role in the economic and financial developments of the world, and has attained a fine reputation as an international financial centre. Despite this, Hong Kong has yet to demonstrate its ability to establish itself as a cosmopolis having a strong economy and a rich cultural flavour. In town planning and development, the Hong Kong Government fails to work out an innovative plan, and at times, it even shows some hesitation. In respect of land use, the Government, placing great emphasis on the promotion of commercial interests in the past, has overlooked taxpayers' demand on the environment and the quality of life.
Let me cite the example of the redevelopment of Central Market. In this present case, the Government merely aims at generating lavish revenue, without showing the slightest concern for providing the necessary municipal facilities in Central, not to mention taxpayers' expectations on the quality of life. At present, the Council has put forth a number of municipal, cultural and leisure development proposals in connection with the redevelopment of the Central Market to cater for the need of office workers and residents for community facilities in Central. However, many of these proposals have been rejected by the Government departments concerned from the commercial point of view. Hence, the redevelopment in question has come to a deadlock, spoiling the taxpayers' opportunity to enjoy these municipal facilities.
Moreover, to allow this old, dilapidated and smelly Central Market to stand for yet another day will indeed blemish the reputation of the Central District (one of the prime sites in Asia), and even that of Hong Kong. It will also become a subject for ridicule by local people as well as tourists. I said that this market smells, the smell not only comes from the refuse there but also from its toilet, which is perhaps the most primitive one in the territory. The foul smell actually blows out into Des Voeux Road Central. It is indeed difficult to accept that this building is allowed to pollute the environment of the Central District, the city centre and showcase of Hong Kong. The Council's efficiency is prone to arouse public queries.
Therefore, considering the time (the Central Market is more than 60 years old), the environment and economic benefits, it is now the opportune time for us to find a solution to the redevelopment issue without further delay.
The redevelopment option currently put forth by the Council contains proposals to cater for the demand of the public for community facilities, which include, inter alia, the provision of a new market, a 1000-seat theatre, an exhibition venue, an indoor heated swimming pool, a fitness centre, a public toilet, an outdoor amphitheatre, an open space and parking spaces, etc.
£651
Page 459 of 654
Page 459 of 65-
Page 459 of 654
Page 459 of 654
HONG KONG PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
455
Treasury; and (iii) promote tourism. It is hoped that the Government will expedite redevelopment of the Central Market site to ameliorate the very undesirable environment at present and to optimize its use. We must not waste this prime site.
Hong Kong plays an important role in the economic and financial developments of the world, and has attained a fine reputation as an international financial centre. Despite this, Hong Kong has yet to demonstrate its ability to establish itself as a cosmopolis having a strong economy and a rich cultural flavour. In town planning and development, the Hong Kong Government fails to work out an innovative plan, and at times, it even shows some hesitation. In respect of land use, the Government, placing great emphasis on the promotion of commercial interests in the past, has overlooked laxpayers' demand on the environment and the quality of life.
Let me cite the example of the redevelopment of Central Market. In this present case, the Government merely aims at generating lavish revenue, without showing the slightest concern for providing the necessary municipal facilities in Central, not to mention taxpayers' expectations on the quality of life. At present, the Council has put forth a number of municipal, cultural and leisure development proposals in connection with the redevelopment of the Central Market to cater for the need of office workers and residents for community facilities in Central. However, many of these proposals have been rejected by the Government departments concerned from the commercial point of view. Hence, the redevelopment in question has come to a deadlock. spoiling the taxpayers' opportunity to enjoy these municipal facilities.
Moreover, to allow this old, dilapidated and smelly Central Market to stand for yet another day will indeed blemish the reputation of the Central District (one of the prime sites in Asia), and even that of Hong Kong. It will also become a subject for ridicule by local people as well as tourists. I said that this market smells, the smell not only comes from the refuse there but also from its toilet, which is perhaps the most primitive one in the territory. The foul smell actually blows out into Des Voeux Road Central. It is indeed difficult to accept that this building is allowed to pollute the environment of the Central District the city centre and showcase of Hong Kong. The Council's efficiency is prone to arouse public queries.
Therefore, considering the time (the Central Market is more than 60 years old), the environment and economic benefits, it is now the opportune time for us to find solution to the redevelopment issue without further delay.
The redevelopment option currently put forth by the Council contains proposals to cater for the demand of the public for community facilities, which include. inter alia, the provision of a new market, a 1000-seat theatre, an exhibition venue, an indoor heated swimming pool, a fitness centre, a public toilet, an outdoor amphitheatre, an open space and parking spaces, etc.
£651
Page 459 of 65-
Page 459 of 654
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