Little space, more benefits: Carrie Lam introduces the newly published booklet on Central Reclamation III, which offers a comprehensive account of the project to enhance public understanding.

Our vision for the harbour is to turn it into a harbour for the people and a harbour of life, easily accessible for the enjoyment of all, Permanent Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands Carrie Lam says.

Introducing the newly published booklet All about Central Reclamation Phase III today, Mrs Lam said the Government aims to enhance public understanding and to ease their concerns with a view to reaching a consensus on the issue.

She explained that the project serves to provide "a little extra space, a lot more benefits".

A little extra space, a lot more benefits

The 18 hectares of land reclaimed under the project is the minimum required for building the Central - Wan Chai Bypass, a key transport infrastructure to ease traffic congestion along the Connaught Road Central/Harcourt Road/Gloucester Road Corridor.

This is fully in line with the three tests for harbour reclamation laid down by the High Court: It must be compelling, with no viable alternative and have minimum impairment.

According to a Transport Department study, the 4-km trip from Central to Causeway Bay will take 45 minutes by 2011, at an average of 5km per hour if the bypass is not in place.

Public views on waterfront promenade welcomed

Mrs Lam hoped the comprehensive booklet, which offers a factual account of the project, will facilitate public understanding. She looked forward to actively involving the community in the design of the Central waterfront promenade.

She also pledged to make use of every opportunity to explain and discuss the project with the public.

When asked when works on the Central reclamation will resume, Mrs Lam said this depends greatly on outcome of the judicial reviews and public concern about the issue.

Turning to the review on proposed Southeast Kowloon Development, Mrs Lam said a number of factors, including the extent of reclamation, the need for housing facilities, environmental protection, as well as boosting tourism, have to be considered.

Government acts lawfully, respects court decisions

The Government will try to strike a balance among these factors during the review, she added.

Mrs Lam, who is also the Town Planning Board chairman, clarified the board's appeal against the High Court's judgement on the Draft Wan Chai North Outline Zoning Plan.

She said while the board has decided not to pursue the Harbour Park proposal, it is concerned that the three tests laid down by the court will have far-reaching implications on future planning and development.

Therefore, there is a need to seek clarification of the legal principles, she said, adding that the Government will continue to act lawfully and respect the court's decision.