ENG-2015 — Page 228

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Planning, Land and Infrastructure

experience of, and aspirations to, taking up residence on the Mainland. The findings help in planning cross-boundary infrastructure and formulating development strategies.

Lantau Island

Based on broad development directions of Lantau endorsed in July 2014, the Lantau Development Advisory Committee formulated in September 2015 initial major proposals covering spatial planning and land use, conservation, strategic traffic and transport infrastructure, recreation and tourism, and social development. Topical and strategic studies for Lantau development, as well as district improvement works, have started.

Harbourfront Enhancement

The government is committed to protecting Victoria Harbour and beautifying the harbourfront. Subject to the actual circumstances of harbourfront sites, the government is gradually constructing, through effective resources allocation, harbourfront promenades at both sides of Victoria Harbour to improve their accessibility for public enjoyment. Most recently, Kwun Tong Promenade Stage 2 was opened for public use in May 2015. During the year, an Urban Design Study for the Wan Chai North and North Point Harbourfront Areas was launched, while the Stage 1 Public Engagement Exercise of the study was conducted between June and August to gather public views on the urban design framework. Separately, the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) continued its study to establish the technical feasibility of a boardwalk under the Island Eastern Corridor. The Harbourfront Commission completed a Phase II Public Engagement Exercise on the proposed establishment of a Harbourfront Authority and will submit a report to the government setting out its recommended way forward.

Kowloon East

The bureau's Energising Kowloon East Office (EKEO) continues 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.

Ongoing work includes enhancing connectivity, improving the environment, releasing development potential and facilitating private and public-sector projects. The EKEO is also carrying out feasibility studies and taking forward recommendations to improve the pedestrian and traffic environment and to release development potential. A study will begin in February 2016 to examine the feasibility of developing Kowloon East as a Smart City pilot area. The EKEO maintains close liaison with the local community and the public. Since its establishment in June 2012, it has taken part in more than 380 briefings, seminars, workshops, forums, exhibitions and visits with more than 10,000 participants, and hosted delegations from over 20 countries to exchange experiences.

Land Supply

Providing land for infrastructure, facilities and development is an important part of the government's work to meet development needs.

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