Central-Wan Chai Reclamation A case study of sustainable development

Why is reclamation necessary in Central and Wan Chai? to provide land for transport land use, e.g. the Hong Kong Station of the Airport Railway and the extended overrun tunnel of the Airport Railway; Central-Wan Chai Bypass and Island Eastern Corridor Link; future Shatin to Central Link; future North Hong Kong Island Line; To provide land for recreational purpose, e.g. construction of a world class waterfront promenade; to improve the environment of adjoining crowded districts by providing additional open space on the new reclamation; and to integrate the development with the existing area.

Project details At present three projects are completed. They include: Central Reclamation Phase I (Hong Kong Station of the Airport Railway) Central Reclamation Phase II (Tamar Basin) Wan Chai Reclamation Phase I (HK Convention Exhibition Centre Extension) In addition to the above completed works, the remaining two projects are: Central Reclamation Phase III (Star Ferry & Tamar Extension Reclamation) Wan Chai Development Phase II

Waterfront promenade

Other related issues construction of HKSAR Government Headquarters construction of Central-Wan Chai Bypass

Turning Tamar site to recreational area Increase space for recreation Improve air quality Reduce building density Alleviate the urban heat island effect Help building a feeling of community if space can allow mass activity participation

Locational disadvantages of the old Gov’t Headquarters Small and limited space Expansion is not possible High cost of redevelopment

Locational advantages of Tamar site Has the advantage of high centrality / accessibility To the east, it connects to the cultural, performance arts and conventional facilities To the south, it connects to the financial, commercial, business and tourism hubs To the southwest, it connects to the area which is rich in historical and of heritage values Coastal flatland available for development / relatively crowded than the old site Further expansion is possible from reclamation Good scenic views along Victoria Harbour

Is it a sustainable development? It will become a new landmark in Hong Kong, e.g. favourable for tourism Land price of the surrounding buildings may increase Land value of surrounding buildings may decrease because they are near to government (institutional) uses and not the competitive commercial complex With better traffic arrangement, traffic congestion will be alleviated Favour the development on the HK Island side Provide more job opportunities More land for building / office supply Ease the unemployment problem Negative impacts

Major principles of development Minimize impact on physical environment Preserve the public resource – harbour Provide recreational land use or open space

Central-Wan Chai Bypass

Central-Wan Chai By-pass Economic benefits Drawbacks Reduce time cost Save time for delivery Favour for logistics development High construction cost No toll fee is collected

Central-Wan Chai By-pass Social benefits Negative social impacts Higher accessibility to attract business more convenient, divert traffic flow reduce traffic congestion in Causeway Bay / Wan Chai reduce travel time improve the coastal area’s land planning in North point Reclamation work includes waterfront promenade Require reclamation May face strong public opposition block the Victoria harbour’s view

Central-Wan Chai By-pass Environmental benefits Environmental impacts Provide an elegant place for pedestrians to walk --improve air quality—better ventilating system in the tunnel -- drivers breath fresh air --Reclamation-> Water pollution --VC(victoria harbour) narrowedlow-lying area in sheung wan will be flooded -- pollution during the construction period