ENG-2016 — Page 238

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Planning, Land and Infrastructure

Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines

The Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines provide the criteria for determining the scale, location and site requirements of various land uses and facilities applicable to planning studies, town plans and development control. These are reviewed from time to time to take account of changes in government policies, demographic characteristics, and social and economic trends. During the year, updates were made to the two chapters relating to planning guidelines on residential densities and internal transport facilities.

Cross-Boundary Planning and Development

The government maintains close liaison with Mainland authorities, particularly Guangdong and Shenzhen. Cross-boundary surveys are commissioned regularly to collect statistics on cross- boundary activities, such as travel patterns and Hong Kong people's experience of, and aspirations to, taking up residence on the Mainland. The findings help in planning cross- boundary infrastructure and formulating development strategies. The Planning Department published the results of the latest cross-boundary travel survey in December.

Harbourfront Enhancement

The government is committed to protecting Victoria Harbour and beautifying its harbourfront, and is constructing progressively, through effective resources allocation, promenades on both sides of the harbour and improving their accessibility for public enjoyment. During the year, an urban design study for the Wan Chai North and North Point harbourfront areas continued with a stage 2 public engagement exercise held from June to August on the refined urban design framework, proposed harbourfront enhancement initiatives and a master layout plan. Separately, in November, a two-month stage 2 community engagement exercise was launched on a proposed boardwalk underneath the Island Eastern Corridor. Open tenders were invited to extend to mid-2020 the temporary use of the observation wheel and event space to bring vibrancy to the Central Harbourfront. The government also recognises the wish of the Harbourfront Commission to establish a Harbourfront Authority and is working with the commission to take harbourfront enhancement work to the next level.

Kowloon East

The bureau's Energizing Kowloon East Office steers and monitors the transformation of Kowloon East, comprising the former industrial areas of Kwun Tong and Kowloon Bay and the new Kai Tak Development, into another CBD. The office maintains close liaison with the local community and the public, taking part in seminars, exhibitions and other events and hosting foreign delegations to exchange experiences.

Ongoing work includes adopting a 'Walkable City' concept to provide a convenient and comfortable pedestrian environment, improving the overall environment, increasing land supply by vacating government facilities for commercial and office use, implementing the Kai Tak Fantasy project, and using Kowloon East as a pilot area to explore the feasibility of smart city development. In February, the office commissioned a smart city consultancy to formulate strategies and set directions and priorities for various proposals that would demonstrate the effectiveness of smart and innovative initiatives.

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