There will be no further reclamation along the northern shores of Hong Kong Island upon completion of the planned minimum reclamation in Central and Wan Chai North, Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands Michael Suen says.

Speaking after a meeting with Society for Protection of the Harbour chairperson Christine Loh today, Mr Suen said the Government was also reviewing the extent of reclamation in southeast Kowloon that was proposed after the airport moved from Kai Tak to Chek Lap Kok.

"The two projects in Central-Wanchai and the proposed one in Southeast Kowloon are the sum total of the planned reclamation works within the harbour limits," Mr Suen said.

"Apart from these three projects, there will be no further reclamation within the harbour limits. To further allay the concerns of the public, we will amend the relevant town plans in accordance with the established procedures to reflect our commitment to protecting the harbour."

Describing today's meeting as constructive, Mr Suen was pleased with the resumption of dialogue with the society and pledged to maintain communication with its members.

Gov't to 'return the harbour' to the people

"Just as members of the public, the Government treasures the harbour and has a responsibility to protect the harbour," Mr Suen said.

"Our planning objective is to make Victoria Harbour attractive, vibrant and accessible to the public as well as the tourists."

The Government intended to 'return the harbour' to the people, Mr Suen said.

Regarding the public hearing jointly organised by the Legislative Council's Planning, Lands and Works Panel and Environmental Affairs Panel on November 27, Mr Suen said this would be another opportunity for citizens to express their views on the Central reclamation.

He hoped that the community would reach a consensus on how to strike a balance between satisfying transportation needs and protecting the harbour.