The Harbour-front Enhancement Committee will commission a study on the Wan Chai Development Phase II, inviting community participation through an "envisioning" process in mapping out the aspirations, constraints and opportunities for the development.

At the committee's third meeting today, the Planning Department gave a presentation on major existing and proposed land use along the harbour-front.

Permanent Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands (Planning & Lands) Rita Lau clarified the facts relating to Central Reclamation Phase III.

Members discussed a proposal to enhance Government piers and landing facilities. Preliminary findings of a consultancy study commissioned by the Civil Engineering & Development Department indicated that while the piers and landings could generally meet required operational functions, facilities for the disabled or seating and shelters were not adequately provided at some piers.

The consultants said it would be an opportune time to consider modernising these piers and landing facilities to enhance their standards and aesthetic appearance.

Members agreed that ferry pier design should be integrated with the surroundings. Proposed enhancements should also enable better enjoyment of the sea view and provide greater comfort and convenience to the public by further upgrading facilities.