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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; andto integrate the development with the existing area.
Project detailsAt 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 recreationImprove air qualityReduce building densityAlleviate the urban heat island effectHelp building a feeling of community if space can allow mass activity participation
Locational disadvantages of the old Gov’t Headquarters
Small and limited spaceExpansion is not possibleHigh 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 facilitiesTo 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 tourismLand price of the surrounding buildings may increaseLand value of surrounding buildings may decrease because they are near to government (institutional) uses and not the competitive commercial complexWith better traffic arrangement, traffic congestion will be alleviatedFavour the development on the HK Island sideProvide more job opportunitiesMore land for building / office supplyEase the unemployment problemNegative impacts
Major principles of development
Minimize impact on physical environmentPreserve the public resource – harbourProvide recreational land use or open space
Central-Wan Chai Bypass
Central-Wan Chai By-passEconomic benefits
Reduce time costSave time for deliveryFavour for logistics development
Drawbacks
High construction costNo toll fee is collected
Central-Wan Chai By-passSocial benefits
Higher accessibility to attract business more convenient, divert traffic flowreduce traffic congestion in Causeway Bay / Wan Chaireduce travel timeimprove the coastal area’s land planning in North pointReclamation work includes waterfront promenade
Negative social impacts
Require reclamationMay face strong public oppositionblock the Victoria harbour’s view
Central-Wan Chai By-pass
Environmental benefits
Provide an elegant place for pedestrians to walk--improve air quality—better ventilating system in the tunnel-- drivers breath fresh air
Environmental impacts
--Reclamation-> Water pollution--VC(victoria harbour) narrowedlow-lying area in sheung wan will be flooded -- pollution during the construction period