The East Coast Park and… a Skatepark? 東岸公園—滑板活動的新聚腳點
The East Coast Park and… a Skatepark?
A New Approach to Public Space Along the Harbourfront
By Erik Thorbeck (www.erikthorbeck.com)
Photos by Ollie Rodgers (@ollierodgers1)
This article is the first in a series on Hong Kong’s relationship with skateboarding. As skateboarding has grown in popularity, it has laid bare the need for a change in approach by both the Harbourfront Commission and the LCSD. Lately, complaints have risen from residents nearby Kennedy Town’s Belcher Bay Promenade (see article), which highlights the need for us to examine its relationship with space, and analyze how the city can co-exist with skateboarding. Fortunately, there are receptive ears in government that recognise the potential positive impacts of it, and are starting to accommodate it. This first article looks at the growth of skateboarding in Hong Kong’s East Coast Park, a new and much-loved waterfront play space in Fortress Hill.
We Ask for YOUR Input!
As skateboarding has grown in popularity in Hong Kong, it has also become clear that skateboarders lack proper spaces to practice, thus skateboarders have turned to recently upgraded public spaces like the Wan Chai Waterfront, Belcher Bay Promenade, and the East Coast Park. As the Hong Kong Harbourfront Commission is currently considering how to better accommodate / manage skateboarding, with the potential for a new park to be built, we would like to better understand the community’s needs. Hong Kong, and Hong Kong Island in particular has long lacked adequate spaces for young people to play along the waterfront, and given the growing interest in sports like skateboarding, roller blading, and cycling, there is an opportunity to push for better representation in the design of new spaces in this treasured part of the city.
If you consider yourself a skateboarder, or have interest in it, please fill out this short survey. This survey is not a government initiative, and Designing Hong Kong is not affiliated with the Hong Kong government. However, we believe undertaking an effort to better understand this growing demographic will help Designing Hong Kong push for more active spaces along the waterfront. We thank you for your time.
Click Here: https://forms.gle/PXuE7UQhxYPDg7TeA
The East Coast Park
Since its completion in September 2021, the East Coast Park along the Fortress Hill waterfront has become wildly popular. On any given day, at almost any time, you’re likely to find a flurry of activity: kids running around, people relaxing, roller bladers, young cyclists, fitness enthusiasts, and naturally, skateboarders. We can’t say for sure whether this was intended or not, but the space has become the new default meeting space for skateboarders all over Hong Kong. It has become so popular with skateboarders, that the city is now designing a new skatepark under the nearby overpass, which presents the city and skateboarding community with an immense opportunity, should it be undertaken correctly. In order to build a park that avoids the mistakes of others in Hong Kong, the city needs to engage the skateboarding community, to build a space that reflects its needs and ensure its full potential.
That skateboarding has become so popular in the East Coast Park Precinct is perhaps not a surprise. As a large, open harbourfront space with smooth ground and great views, it also fills a need for something long craved by the skate community. “Growing up on Hong Kong island since the age of 7, there were limited public spaces where you were allowed to skate aside from Chai wan skatepark and Morrison Hill racetrack,” remarks Ollie Rodgers, a local skateboarder and filmer. Despite the many open areas with smooth ground on HK island, skateboarders were shunned from public spaces until recently, thus having to try their luck at other spots in public or commercial spaces. “It’s great that they now accept skateboarding as a proper hobby and provide a scenic waterfront space for skaters of all levels, ages and genders to come together and skate.”
A New Approach to Managing Public Spaces
The way the space is managed also represents a new approach to public space undertaken by the harbourfront commission. Harbourfront spaces differ from other parks in Hong Kong because they are less regulated, and at the same time are more open to a wider variety of uses. Parks managed by the Leisure & Cultural Services Department are usually smaller and more limited, and most of the time are off limits for skateboarding (unless they are designated skateboard parks). Thus, the availability of open space + smooth ground, as well as the organic approach to managing it has made it a natural home for skateboarders. However, recent events suggest a change is afoot, as we have seen signs in the park telling users to “Pack Up Your Skateboard”. Does this mean that both young and old skateboarders will be banned from this beloved space?
Hong Kong Island’s First Real Skatepark?
Fortunately, the city has also apportioned a swath of space under the nearby overpass for an actual skatepark, currently being designed, according to a source from the Harbourfront Commission. This presents a question for both the Harbourfront Commission and users: How do we design a park that eases stress on the East Coast Park space, but also meets the needs of the skateboarding community?
A skatepark that eases stress on the neighbouring East Coast Park needs to achieve a few things that are concerning to skateboarders. Firstly, it provides adequate features for more intermediate and advanced skateboarders. Currently, skateboarders of all levels use the East Coast Park space, yet by its nature, it is more suited for children. Older, more experienced skateboarders skate faster, pop tricks higher, and are looking for park features that they won’t have to fight pedestrians and children for space on. To clarify however, intermediate to advanced refers more to the tricks done on a certain obstacle, rather than the actual obstacle itself. For example, a ledge of the right size, in the right location, can be skated by skateboarders of all levels, and past park surveys in other cities (such as in Vancouver), have indicated that basic features like ledges (see photo below) are the most desired feature by skateboarders. Getting this right will ease stress on the ECP, and give both child skateboarders and pedestrians a safer experience in the park.
Born Skate Plaza in Barcelona is an excellent example of a variety of simple features that mimic the street spots most desired by skateboarders.
Secondly, the park needs to strike the right balance between street + transition features. Many parks in history have made the mistake of dedicating too much of the park to large bowls, or half pipes that are in fact not desired by youth. Tseung Kwan O skatepark is an example of this. The park has two bowls, and 90% of the time they are empty. The deeper of the two bowls was actually cordoned off, and the rumored reason behind this is that an old lady fell to her death there, though this is unconfirmed. This has resulted in almost half of the park being basically un-usable by most skateboarders. It’s become clear that the majority of users of this park prefer street features, and this should be thoroughly investigated before any design for a new park is confirmed.
The Bowl at TKO Park. Unloved, and under-utilized.
At this stage, community input is crucial to getting the design and operation right. A skatepark, if done right, will act not only as a hub for community, easing the burden on other public spaces and sidewalks, it will also draw in activity and give life to previously under-utlized spaces. Given the premium of space along the waterfront, the cost of getting it wrong again is too high. The Harbourfront commission should look to cities like Vancouver, which has conducted surveys of the skate community every 5 years since the city’s first “skate plaza” was built in 2005. This input allows the city to better allocate resources and design priorities, ensuring better space for the skate community, as well as less disruption to nearby public spaces for pedestrians.
A Reminder: Please Fill Out Our Survey!
Click Here: https://forms.gle/PXuE7UQhxYPDg7TeA
東岸公園—滑板活動的新聚腳點
將滑板融入海濱的契機
這文章是香港滑板系列的第一篇。隨著滑板在社區逐漸普及,海濱事務委員會和康文署都需要改變現有的管理思維。最近,堅尼地城卑路乍灣海濱長廊附近居民不斷投訴滑板的嘈音(見文章),這凸顯了我們需要審視滑板與公共空間的關係,並了解滑板如何與城市共存。慶幸的是,政府中亦有官員了解到滑板的正面影響,並開始將滑板融入社區。首篇文章我們將著眼於東岸公園—砲台山一個備受喜愛的全新海濱遊樂區—的滑板運動發展。
需要你的參與
隨著滑板日趨普及,香港缺乏滑板場地的問題再次浮現,而滑板愛好者亦開始使用例如灣仔海濱、卑路乍灣海濱長廊及東岸公園等新落成的海濱練習。海濱事務委員會現時正研究如果在海濱容納及管理滑板活動,甚至計劃興建新的設施,因此我們希望收集更多滑板社群的意見。香港,尤其是港島,一直缺乏海濱空間供年青人消遣。鑑於大眾對滑板、輪滑和單車等新興運動的興趣日益濃厚,我們認為應善用珍貴的空間去推動這些新興運動的發展。
無論你是專業滑板手抑或是初階的愛好者,我們都希望你可以填寫這份調查。這份調查並非由政府提出,但我們希望更了解不斷增長中的滑板社群的需要,共同推動海濱成為滑板友善的公共空間。
網上調查: https://forms.gle/PXuE7UQhxYPDg7TeA
東岸公園
自從2021年9月正式對外開放後,東岸公園成為了港島區一個廣受居民及遊客青睞的公共空間。無論任何時候到訪,都有不同群體進行各式各樣的活動,有四處奔跑的小童、想到海濱渡過悠閒下午的街坊、滾軸溜冰玩家、年輕的單車手、健身愛好者,當然,還有滑板愛好者。我們無法得知滑板愛好者是否有意,但東岸公園範圍已成為了他們的聚腳地,亦因為在群體中如此受歡迎,最近亦有政府部門研究在附近的行車天橋底下設立一個全新的滑板公園,相信在落成後,將有助滑板運動在本港的推廣。要避免再次出現滑板公園設計失誤的問題,相關部門應主動邀請滑板群體一同參與公園的設計及規劃,滿足使用者的需求並充份發揮該空間的潛質。
對於東岸公園忽然成為了滑板聖地,滑板群體可能會覺得不足為奇。東岸公園平滑的地面,加上維多利亞港的美景,成為了滑板愛好者夢寐以求的海濱公共空間。從七歲起便移居香港並成長的本地滑板手及攝影師Ollie Rodgers表示,「大部份的公眾地方都不容許滑板。一直以來我們只能在柴灣的滑板場或摩理臣山道遊樂場等零碎的場地踩滑板。」儘管港島有不少平坦的公共空間,但基於嚴格的規矩,滑板愛好者一直只能碰運氣到不同的公共空間進行活動,希望不會被驅趕。「很高興相關部門接納滑板在公共空間出現。現在甚至在海濱提供一個合適不同年齡、性別、能力滑板手的場地,讓我們能聚首一堂,互相交流。」
新管理模式可以帶來轉變?
海濱管理模式的轉變亦顯示出相關部門對公共空間的態度改變。現時部份新落成的海濱空間與香港其他公園或康樂設施不同,直接由海濱事務委員會管理,相對上監管較少,同時亦開放供更廣泛的用途。由康文署管理的場地則普遍較多限制,而且除了特定的滑板場外,其餘地方都禁止進行滑板活動。因此,遼闊的空間、平滑的地面加上不同的管理模式,令東岸公園和卑路乍灣海濱長廊自然成為滑板活動的場所。然而早前堅尼地城的事件,令海濱再次出現「收起滑板」的標誌。這是否意味著滑板愛好者不久後又會再次排除在這個他們夢寐以求的公共空間呢?
香港島首個正規滑板公園?
幸好,據海濱事務委員會的消息,當局正在東區走廊底下,公園旁的一塊用地設計一個真正的滑板場地。這衍生出另一個問題:到底應如何設計一個既能緩解東岸公園的空間衝突,又能滿足滑板社群需求的公園呢?
一個能夠緩解公園的空間衝突的滑板場地需要滿足滑板愛好者的需求。首先,公園需要為中階和高階的滑板手提供足夠的設備。目前不同能力的滑板手都共同使用東岸公園的空間,但就性質而言,東岸公園的空間其實較適合小童或其他初學者練習。其他經驗較豐富或能較高的滑板愛好者因需要障礙完成部份的花式,他們也希望可能有一個不必與行人和小童爭奪空間的地方練習。而所需的障礙可以簡單至一個體積、高度和位置適中的槓台已經能夠供不同能力的滑板手使用,而外國其他城市(例如溫哥華)的調查亦顯示,槓台是其中一個最受滑板愛好者歡迎的設備。只要在設置合適的設備,公共空間的衝突將會減少,並讓不同的公園使用者更安全地享受港島的海濱。
西班牙巴塞隆那的Born Skate Plaza是一個典型例子,即使簡單設計都能夠滿足到滑板手的需求。
其次,滑板公園的設計需要取得一個平衡。香港以前的滑板公園設計經常犯下錯誤,將大部份空間用作建設碗池或U型台等普遍不受歡迎的設施。以將軍澳公園的滑板場為例,公園設有兩個碗池,但絕大部份時間都無人使用。當中較深的一個更被封,關閉的原因從沒公開過,但有傳聞指曾經有長者於這裡墜下死亡,但消息並未有得到證實。但碗池的封閉令滑板手未能使用公園中有一大部份的地方。同時,從場地的觀察,公園的大部份滑板手亦傾向使用街道特色的障礙物,因此在任何未來新建的公園,都應先了解使用者的喜好和需求,避免重蹈重蹈覆轍。
社區的意見和參與對滑板公園的設計和運作至關重要。滑板場不但可以作為社區的聚腳點,吸引更多元化的活動在公共空間中出現,更可以減少其他公共空間與行人路的空間衝突,並善用社區中未充分利用的空間。珍貴的海濱空間令普羅大眾並不樂見空間規劃的失誤。溫哥華自2005年建設了第一個「滑板廣場」(Skate Plaza)後,每五年就會對滑板社群進行調查,了解他們的需求。我們認為海濱事務委員會亦可參考溫哥華的做法,確保有足夠的空間、資源去將滑板納入香港的海濱設計,同時減少他們在公共空間對其他使用者的滋擾,建立與滑板共存的公共空間。
希望作為滑板愛好者的你可以為我們提供意見:https://forms.gle/PXuE7UQhxYPDg7TeA
The Tsing Yi Coastal Trail 青衣環島徑
The Tsing Yi Coastal Trail
Since 2002, we have been advocating access along the waterfronts. After we introduced the “Hong Kong Island Coastal Trail” we received suggestions to create trails along other coastlines of Hong Kong. One such request was for a coastal route around Tsing Yi Island, connecting the Tsing Yi Promenade with the Tsing Yi Nature Trails and along Tsing Yi South.
Tsing Yi is the fifth largest island in Hong Kong with a population of around 200,000. The outer perimeter is around 16 km. It is an important transportation hub connecting New Territories West and the urban area of Hong Kong with cross-sea bridges.
Tsing Yi Island is characterized by three main areas: Residential, industrial, and nature. The proposed “Tsing Yi Coastal Trail” links all parts of Tsing Yi with a convenient coastal trail for residents and visitors.
We have studied routes, documented sights and destinations, and prepared proposals for improvements which can bring the route closer to the shore. To learn more about the trail, visit our website.
Hong Kong Island Coastal Trail – Progress Update (August 2021) 港島環島徑—最新消息 (2021年8月)
Hong Kong Island Coastal Trail – Progress Update (August 2021)
Designing Hong Kong is working hard to improve the Hong Kong Island Coastal Trail. Below is a progress update.
Event: Rediscovering and Mapping the Coastal Trail for HK Island 社區活動:共同繪製港島環島遊指南
Together with Trailwatch, i-Discover and Dutch Chamber, you are invited to take part in the mapping event from 21st December – 18th January. Join any time, at your own convenience.
EVENT DETAILS:
The mapping event will run from 21st December – 18th January. You can take part at any time, at your own convenience.
- The 65km trail is divided into 8 sections, from easy to moderate in difficulty. There’s something for everyone, from steep remote mountain climbs to flat urban harbourside walks. If you’re feeling like you want a challenge, you can run or walk the entire trail in one go, or if you want some leisurely walks, you can split up your journey into sections over several days.
- When you sign up, you will receive an e-mail with detailed instructions for each section. You simply print the set for your preferred section, pack some water and snacks and be on your way! The TrailWatch app will help you navigate on the way.
- Along the trail are over 70 Points of Interest. Places with a story to tell. We ask you to stop, take a breather, have a wander. Share with us your pictures, observations and conversations (English or Chinese) through the TrailWatch App, What’sApp or e-mail. We’ll collect the most compelling narratives and photographs and put them on an illustrated map.
- End of January we’ll publish Hong Kong’s first community-created Hong Kong Island Coastal Trail Walking Map
- Each participating team will get a pack with 12 Hong Kong neighbourhood walks as a souvenir and prizes for teams with most original entries!!
Hong Kong Island Coastal Trail Challenge: https://dutchchamhk.glueup.com/event/mapping-the-hong-kong-island-coastal-trail-30453/
Register our event: https://dutchchamhk.glueup.com/event/30453/register/
8 recommended section: https://www.coastaltrail.hk/hkict-route.html
Download TrailWatch: https://apps.apple.com/hk/app/trailwatch-your-hiking-guide/id791098937?l=en
Submission to [email protected]
#hkcoastaltrail
#explorehiddengems
#keepheritagealive
#walkability
#getlostwithoutgettinglost
#hkict
創建香港與Trailwatch徑‧香港、i-Discover和香港荷蘭商會合作,在12月21日至1月18日期間進行一個「虛擬」的社區活動,希望透過市民的參與,一同建立一份屬於香港人的環島徑地圖。
參加者隨時隨地都可以參與活動。只需要透過Trailwatch手機應用程式、Whatsapp、Facebook、Instagram或Email告訴我們途中的所見所聞,並配合圖片。收集到大家的故事後我們會選出最佳的圖片和故事,將它們加入到我們的網上地圖上。我們亦會整合大家的故事,邀請本地設計師製作一份瓖島社區指南。
經香港荷蘭商會網頁報名的參加者可獲得iDiscover早前設計的社區地圖作為紀念品。另外我們亦會選出最優秀的故事,將會額外的獎品送贈予該參加者。
步行 . 港島環島徑長65公里,共分為8段;有合家歡的海傍步行徑,亦有較進階的攀岩及行山徑,適合不同年齡層與體力的人士參與。喜愛挑戰的人士可以嘗試以步行或緩步跑方式一氣完成全程,你亦可以在不同日子,不同時段漫步所選的分段路徑。
紀錄 . 透過Google Play或the App Store下載Trailwatch手機應用程式,並選擇港島環島徑路段以即時展開導航功能,紀錄活動情況及上傳沿路拍攝的照片。
探索 . 跟隨路徑上的指引,尋找景點背後的故事,發掘城市更多有趣的面貌。
分享 . 這些景點背後有什麼故事?有什麼值得到訪的理由?對你而言又有什麼意義?透過以下社交平台,與我們分享你沿途的所想,所見,所聞 – 可以是你的個人回憶,難忘的經歷,很棒的照片,甚至是路途上展開的有趣對話(中英皆可)
網上登記: https://dutchchamhk.glueup.com/event/mapping-the-hong-kong-island-coastal-trail-30453/
Kai Tak: Toilet bowl or water sports paradise 啟德,玩水定玩屎,只有一念之差
Kai Tak: Toilet bowl or water sports paradise
The best water for marine recreation, leisure and sports in Victoria Harbour for all aegis the 90 hectares of inland water known as the Kai Tak Approach Channel and the Kwun Tong Typhoon Shelter. The water is calm in almost all-weather conditions and is protected by land on all sides except for small gaps between the Kai Tak runway and Kwun Tong.
Two things are required to make this water available to the 2.2 million residents of Kowloon for recreation: clean water and purpose built marine supporting facilities along the shore (think: the water sports centre at Stanley main beach).
Despite intense planning for the former airport site, both are left wanting. Drastic action is needed to achieve both. The Government should reconsider treating Kai Tak’s inland water as a toilet bowl for the benefit of land revenue and cost savings.
The first ‘no-reclamation’ outline zoning plan for Kai Tak in 2007 had roads along each section of the waterfront. With lobbying, these were moved except for a short section.
As of 2014, water sports and recreation are now always permitted in public open spaces, but we have a saying: ‘always permitted means it never gets done’.
Instead of permanent sites we can expect two containers on the lower embankment of the runway, use of an old fire station surrounded by temporary structures near the runway tip and a small site under the highway without landing steps or a ramp to access the water.
What’s worse is the water quality. Many remember the smell upon landing at Kai Tak. To solve this, a 600 metre gap under the runway would allow tidal changes to flush the enclosed waters.
In 2018, it was proudly determined that the land could be used for development and infrastructure as the gap was no longer needed. As factories moved to the Mainland, the ‘expedient’ discharge of pollutants into storm drains had ‘improved’ a lot.
Unfortunately, the Government advised the Town Planning Board in November 2020 that although the smell had gone, runoff from Kowloon City and Kwun Tong and effluent from the Tai Po and Shatin Sewage Treatment Works will continue to flow into this semi-enclosed waterbody. This makes it doubtful the E.coli standards for secondary contact recreational uses will (ever) be met. The solution is simple – to invest into redirecting these pollutants to the open water.
It is not too late to fix Kai Tak.
啟德明渠進口道及觀塘避風塘的水域是各年齡層在維港兩岸進行水上活動的理想地方。在各種天氣下,該處都風平浪靜,除啟德跑道及觀塘之間的夾縫,四周都被陸地包圍。
要將這水域開放給 220 萬九龍區市民進行水上活動有兩個先決條件:一、潔淨水質;二、沿岸的水上活動配套(如赤柱正灘的水上活動中心)。儘管啟德的發展如火如荼,以上兩項卻了無寸進,要達成條件仍須下更多苦功。
啟德首個排除填海的規劃大綱(S/K22/2, 2007)中有馬路貫穿不同海濱路段,多次遊說後成功爭取只在一小段保留馬路,水上活動及娛樂亦隨之獲准在公共空間進行。(S/K22/4, 2014)然而,政府卻為了土地收入及節省成本,將啟德水域視為名乎其實的公廁。
只是在我們眼中,一紙批文遠未足夠。要確保遊人能享受水上活動,獲准活動的細則要更明確,而設施配套亦要有相應設立。現有規劃下未見興建永久水上活動中心的計劃,取而代之我們預見只會有由各種零零碎碎的臨時設施湊合而成的水上活動配套,例如在跑道低海堤放置兩個貨櫃,重用在跑道末端被各種臨時設施包圍的舊消防局,又或在跑道上劃出一小塊空地,卻沒有興建梯級或斜坡讓遊人前往岸邊。
比設施更大的問題是水質。啟德明渠的臭味仍記憶猶新,政府曾提出了在跑道打開一個 600 米的缺口,讓水流協助排走污水。2018 年,當局卻因為水質問題的改善提出沒有興建該缺口的必要,並建議把原有土地用作發展及基建用途。隨着工廠北移,把工業污水排到明渠的不負責行為日漸減少,水質才稍為有些改善。
令人嘩然的是政府竟在 2020 年 11 月(Y/K22/4)建議城規會繼續把九龍城、觀塘的排水,及大埔和沙田污水處理廠的已處理污水排放到臭味問題已經改善的啟德明渠,令人質疑在啟德水域進行康樂活動的安全,擔心大腸桿菌能否在可見將來,符合次級接觸的標準。其實解決方法非常簡單,只須把這些污水直接引流到開放水域。解決啟德問題,為時未晚。
“Hong Kong Island Coastal Trail” has been passed in 4 District Councils「港島環島徑」獲得四區區議會支持
First Joint Motion Passed in 4 DC: Hong Kong Island Coastal Trail
Four district council representatives, Paul Zimmerman, Michael Pang Cheuk-kei ( Southern District Council), Cherry Wong Kin-ching, Sam YIP Kam-lung (Central and Western District Council), Clarisse Yeung Suet-ying, Cathy Yau Man-shan (Wanchai District Council) and Kelly Chan Po-king, Andrew Chiu Ka-yin, Cheung tat-hung and Wei Siu-lik (Eastern District Council) gathered at the Aldrich Bay Promenade today (7 Nov) to urge for collaboration between District Councils, NGOs and Government to implement the “Hong Kong Island Coastal Trail”.
Hong Kong Island Coastal Trail – 65km trail with over 70 points of interest
The joint motion adopted unanimously in the four district councils of Hong Kong Island urges government to link existing promenades, footpaths and trails into a 65-kilometre long Hong Kong Island Coastal Trail.
The route covers over seventy points of interest including historic and tourist sites, beaches and waterfronts, urban and nature trails. The trail offers easy access for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities. Many will be attracted to explore sections, while others may try to complete the route in one day. Hong Kong Island Coastal Trail will encourage more people to walk improving public health and enjoyment of the city. For more details see: www.coastaltrail.hk
First ever joint motion by District Councils
The greater length of the route is in place. However, some missing links and improvements are needed.
Some of the improvements overlap district boundaries. This first ever joint motion gained support across all councils, and across all political backgrounds. With coordination by the Home Affairs Bureau of the relevant departments the trail can be completed and enhanced with coherent signage, seats, water-fountains and a pet-friendly policy.
Community Initiative
The trail is a bottom-up policy initiative and responds to proposals from members of the public. A recent online survey shows that 80% of 1,200 respondents support the improvements proposed to create a coherent trail around the island as close as possible to the waterfront. Many respondents offered valuable suggestions to enhance the appeal of the route for residents and visitors.
What’s next?
The District Councils will work to encourage government to provide the resources, funding and coordination required to implement the Hong Kong Island Coastal Trail. In the meantime, we welcome suggestions, proposals, photos and stories from the community for the different sections. In the long term, we will work on a route for cyclists, and develop concepts for other trails to be enhanced for public enjoyment. We will also help other district councils with development of trails in other areas including a Tsing Yi Coastal Trail, a Kowloon Victoria Harbour Route and a North District Ecological Trail.
Need your support
To support our research and advocacy work, please make donations.
Method 1 – Cheque
Please make the cheque payable to “Designing Hong Kong Limited” and send it to 21/F, Chun Wo Commercial Centre, 25 Wing Wo Street, Central, Hong Kong
Method 2- Bank Transfer
Please make your transfer to HSBC 808-347553-001 under the name of Designing Hong Kong Limited.
Enquries
Ms Cindy Li ([email protected] )
四區區議會代表,包括司馬文、 彭卓棋 (南區區議會代表)、黃健菁、 葉錦龍 (中西區區議會代表)、 楊雪盈 、邱汶珊 (灣仔區議會代表)和陳寶琼、 趙家賢 、 鄭達鴻 、韋少力 (東區區議會代表)於今日11月7日在愛秩序灣海濱(近東區法院大樓)倡議更多跨區議會、跨政府部門及與不同民間機構的合作機會,改善社區,完善港島環島徑。
港島環島徑長65公里,沿途有70多個景點
環島徑沿途包括古蹟、沙灘、海濱、行山徑等七十多個景點。不同年齡層同能力的居民及遊客都可以隨時享受環島徑,喜愛挑戰的人士更可以嘗試一日完成全程65公里。「港島環島徑」途徑多個社區,市民能夠輕易到達。透過改善港島的行人網絡,可以鼓勵更多人步行去推廣健康的生活習慣。詳情請參閱:www.coastaltrail.hk
首次跨區共同支持議案
雖然絕大部份的路線已經完成,但是還有不少路段需要改善。有些路段更是兩區重疊,需要跨區處理。是次的動議獲得跨區及跨黨派的支持,期望民政局及相關部門能盡快協調,使環島徑能連接起所有路段,完善沿途配套設施如:安裝統一的標示、增設無障礙和寵物友善路線、增加座椅、水機等。
社區主導
是次環島徑是由下而上的政策主導,由市民提供寶貴的意見。根據網上調查,超過1200位受訪者中接近80%都支持環島徑的改善建議,他們亦期望路線越接近海岸越好,最終居民和旅客能享受環島遊的樂趣。
下一步?
我們會繼續聯同各區區議員及政府相關部門合作,尋找資金和資源建立港島環島徑。同時,我們誠邀各位市民提供更多建議、方案、圖片及沿島的都市故事,好讓我們深化這個本地遊。長遠而言,我們亦會設計單車路段,發掘香港其他行山路線。藉着是次的經驗,我們鼓勵其他區發掘新路線,例如青衣環島徑、九龍維港徑及北區生態徑。
支持我們
你亦可以參與更多!告訴我們你對港島環島徑的意見,我們樂意聽取你分享沿途的風光和故事。如有任何相關的相片,請電郵至 [email protected]
要繼續推行更多計劃,創建香港有賴你的支持。請捐款支持我們的研究及宣傳工作。捐款方法如下:
方法一 – 支票捐款
請於支票抬頭寫「Designing Hong Kong Limited」,並郵寄至中環永和街25號俊和商業中心21樓。
方法二 – 銀行轉帳
請轉帳至匯豐銀行帳戶號碼808-347553-001(帳戶持有人姓名為Designing Hong Kong Limited)。
查詢
李穎妍小姐 ([email protected])
Topside development on XRL – Survey Result
We conducted a public opinion survey between September 28th to October 6th regarding the captioned application. 143 people submitted their responses.
The majority of the respondents objected expressing concerns over the relaxation of building height restrictions, deteriorating air ventilation, urban heat island effect, daylight access and visual intrusion.
By Friday Oct 9, please submit your comments to Town Planning Board at https://www.info.gov.hk/tpb/tc/plan_application/A_K20_133.html
廣深港高速鐵路西九龍總站用地
擬議辦公室、商業及零售發展並放寬建築物高度限制 (申請編號: A/K20/133)
9月28日至10月6日我們就以上題目,進行了公眾諮詢,並共有143人提交了回覆。
大部分受訪者表示反對放寬建築物高度限制,擔心會令空氣不流通,加劇城市熱島效應,影響日光和視覺效果。
請在10月9日之前向城市規劃委員會發表意見,或加入條件限制。你的意見可能會影響最終建築設計,從而改善社區發展。
- 62.94% of the respondents objected to the reflective exterior glass surface as it creates a glare which impairs the enjoyment of neighboring residents including particularly The Waterfront and The Austin. The glare may also impact nearby traffic. Solar reflections also raise temperatures and may impact vegetation nearby. Concerns were expressed over energy consumption for air-conditioning. The design is deemed does not match with the surrounding buildings.
- 71.33% of respondents are concerned over traffic impacts along Nga Cheung Road, Jordan Road and Canton Road. The proposed scheme proposed no less than 550 parking spaces for private cars. With the increase in parking spaces here and the car park at To Wah Road together with other developments in the area as well as new road connections such as the Central Kowloon Route, it is unclear whether the traffic burden exceeds capacity. Traffic congestion (and associated blaring of car horns) is experienced often in the area including along Jordan Road.
- 70.63% of respondents are concerned over the relaxation of building heights and the close distance between The Waterfront and XRL topside development. Such building structure would disturb daylight access, visual quality and air ventilation to inner area in Jordan.
- 76.22% of people object to relaxing height limit as this will set a bad precedent for nearby sites including future buildings at the WKCD. This application will set a precedent for others to change height restrictions. Respondents wonder if there is any justification of relaxing height limit after developers won bids for a site. Moreover, there is no compensation for the losses suffered by nearby residents. The gain would be simply for the developer at the cost of the neighbours.
- Although it is claimed that the proposed design has better air ventilation than the original scheme, 71.33% of respondents are concerned over the impact of having less fresh air and that pollutants residue in the community. It must be noted that the developer has failed to meet and consult the neighbours on the proposed plans.
- 49.65% of the respondents are worried over food and beverage related noise control at site, and the absence of clear operating guidelines on the use of facilities and time control of activities at the catering and commercial facilities (64.34%).
- 81.82% of the respondents are concerning over delivery of the promised public space. The promised public spaces are absent from the land lease conditions and may not be delivered. As seen throughout Hong Kong, what is promised in terms of public gains including public space, accessibility, public recreation, alfresco dining, etc, fails to be delivered. What controls will be applied by the Town Planning Board to ensure promised made are delivered?
- 86.71% of the respondents are upset with the lack of consultation and the failure to present and discuss the plans with nearby residents. Residents received insufficient information regarding the revised plans. Public consultation should have been conducted to provide clear information and to gain a better understanding. Moreover, the developer should introduce and discuss the proposal with the District Council before the deadline for comments under the Town Planning Ordinance for the captioned application.
- In the survey conducted, there is a demand for assessment of sustainability performance in terms of creating a ‘public realm’ which delivers a holistic and positive impact for occupants and neighbours. Reference is made to HKGBC BEAM Plus Neighborhood. More than 70% of respondents suggest civic spaces to be used by non-profit organizations for community activities (76.92%), promoting gender equality by introducing ‘Gender Mainstreaming checklist’ into the design and construction of the development (70.63%), and by adopting pet-friendly (78.32%) and bicycle-friendly measures (77.62%) for the site as well as the connections with the West Kowloon Cultural District to Jordan, Yau Ma Tei and Tai Kwok Tsui.
- 93.01% of respondents support environmental protection initiatives, such as energy saving, water use and reuse, using recyclable building materials, installing waste management and treatment facilities, etc. To implement initiatives to improve energy efficiency, environmental performance and achieving Government’s energy saving plan by 2025, all new development should have set goal to achieve HKGBC Beam Plus.
Public Consultation for Topside Development on XRL 高鐵站上蓋發展意見調查
Designing Hong Kong Public consultation
Designing Hong Kong and a few Yau Tsim Mong District Council members would like to collect your views on the topside development on XRL.
Sun Hung Kai Properties submitted a re-application of building’s design and structure (Application No. A/K20/133) under section 12 (a) of the Town Planning Ordinance. If you have any concerns, please take this chance to comment to the Town Planning Board by Oct 9th. Your views may improve the final design of the development.
Click here for the submission to Town Planning Board (deadline on Oct 09)
Click here for Designing Hong Kong public consultation
Click here for Proposed Topside Development by Masterplan Limited
Click here for Paper of the proposed Topside Development
For enquiry, please contact us at [email protected]
創建香港和油尖旺區議會議員希望就高鐵站上蓋發展收集你的意見。
新鴻基地產根據《城市規劃條例》第12(a)條提交了建築物的設計和結構的申請(申請編號A / K20 / 133)。請在10月9日之前向城市規劃委員會發表意見,或加入條件限制。你的意見可能會影響最終建築設計,從而改善社區發展。
改劃申請書及文件:請按此
意見調查:請按此
領賢規劃顧問有限公司提供的簡報(只備英文版):請按此
擬議西九龍站上蓋發展會議文件(只備英文版):請按此
Shek O lovers’ bridge – Survey Result 石澳情人橋民意調查結果
Thank you those who participated in our online survey!
A public opinion survey was conducted from 18-20 September 2020. More than 70% of the 813 respondents objected to steel railings and preferred a simple concrete bridge. 103 local Shek O residents voted, with 70 objecting to steel railings. Overall, only 21.3% of the respondents supported steel railing designs (option #2 or #3). However, 138 people offered suggestions explaining that they preferred:
- A design which blends in better with the natural environment by using a granite stone finishing or softening the blue colour;
- Widen the bridge and approach paths, and add space for safe gathering, photo taking;
- Enable any water to run off quickly and ensure a non-slippery bridge deck;
- Soft solar lights/ LED lights to ignite during nights;
- Improved signage about the bridge could be considered.
Other comments:
- Enable people to put ‘lover locks’
- Heart shape openings in the structure
- Photo spots / observation areas (bridge is too narrow for photo taking)
- Seating, shade and washroom in the vicinity
- LED lighting to make it photogenic at night
- Dim solar lights along the bridge and path
- Railings to assist elderly to walk to and from the bridge
- Graffiti wall
- Signage with information about the history of ‘Shek O lovers’ bridge
- A coin operated telescope
Other proposed options:
-
感謝各位參與網上問卷調查,提供你們寶貴的意見!
2020年9月18日至20日我們進行了一項民意調查。813名受訪者中有70%以上反對鋼欄杆,並傾向使用簡單的混凝土橋。 103位石澳居民投票,其中70位反對鋼欄杆。總體而言,只有21.3%的受訪者支持鋼欄杆設計(選項2或3)。138人提出寶貴的意見,希望混凝土設計的橋更有地道特色:
1.使用花崗岩石或柔和藍色系,使設計更融合自然環境;
2. 擴闊橋樑和出入口路徑,提供空間讓人聚集,和拍照相片;
3. 設計應確保雨水能迅速流走,橋面亦要防滑;
4. 選擇柔和的太陽能燈/ LED燈在夜間點亮;
5. 考慮改善有關情人橋歷史由來的路牌和路標。其他建議:
- 可掛情人鎖
- 橋身加設心形開口設計
- 攝影點/遊客觀光區(現時橋身太窄,無法拍照)
- 情人橋附近增設座位,陰涼處和洗手間
- LED照明方便夜間拍攝
- 沿橋樑和路徑增設太陽能燈
- 增設欄杆,方便老年人步行
- 塗鴉牆,繪畫藝術
- 標示有關石澳情人橋歷史的標牌
- 投幣式望遠鏡
Hong Kong Island Coastal Trail – Survey Result
Please give your input and tell us your comments here!
歡迎繼續參與網上問卷調查,向我們提供你們寶貴的意見!
Earlier this year, we proposed the idea of the Hong Kong Island Coastal Trail. Then, we suggested 18 proposals for improvement along the trail and asked public to comment. Today, we announce the survey results so far.
早前,我們提出港島環島徑的構想,然後我們提出了18個改善建議並開放讓大家投票。今日就讓我們發表初步的調查結果。
Respondents in a recent survey identified two more projects to improve the “Hong Kong Island Coastal Trail.” A wider pavement is needed at Deep Water Bay where people are forced onto the road, and respondents asked for the promised public access through the Central Military Dock when there is no vessel in town.
加上新增的建議,總共有20個改善建議去完善整條65公里長的「港島環島徑」。在之前的調查中,有超過1200 人表達了意見。每項建議都獲得最少接近80%的支持。
Besides the additional projects, valuable comments were given. While everyone agrees on connecting the different promenades, pavements and trails into a route close to the shore, some raised concerns over safeguarding the natural environment (minimizing concrete) and making sure that the route is safe for all.
除此之外,我們都收到很多寶貴的意見。絕大多數的受訪者都同意應該將現有的海濱連接起來,並將行人盡可能帶到海邊。部份受訪者就對保護自然環境(特別是減少使用混凝土等人工材料)及行人的安全表達關注。
Now the hard work starts. We have to convince the different Government departments to undertake the work required.
下一步,我們將會游說不同的政府部門去處理我們的建議。
Fore more detail 更詳細的結果:
http://www.designinghongkong.com/edm/index.php…