The Planning Department has launched a public engagement exercise to seek views on urban design issues and objectives, and a sustainable design assessment framework for the new Central harbourfront.

The department today said it wants to explore with the community the possible alternative concepts for reconstructing the old Star Ferry Clock Tower and reassembling Queen's Pier.

Four concepts have been proposed to facilitate discussion, including:

* reassembling Queen's Pier at the original location;

* reassembling Queen's Pier near the original location;

* an axial approach by aligning Queen's Pier, the clock tower and City Hall precinct; or,

* a functional approach by integrating Queen's Pier with Pier Nos.9 and 10.

For the clock tower, it is proposed to stand as a focal point of the harbourfront along a key pedestrian corridor with convenient access.

The department said other ideas are welcome.

Info online

A webpage on the Urban Design Study for the New Central Harbourfront has been set up to disseminate information and receive public views. The Stage 1 Public Engagement will end June 30. Electronic submission can also be made to sdpd@pland.gov.hk.

The department said a focus group workshop and a community engagement forum are scheduled for May 5 and 12. 

Comments received during the period will provide input to the consultant in working towards the refinement of the urban design framework for the harbourfront. A sustainability assessment and air ventilation assessments will be undertaken in the process.

The consultant will draw up urban design concepts and guidelines for key development sites, and recommend the locations and design ideas for reconstructing the clock tower and reassembling Queen's Pier for the next stage of public engagement in the latter part of the year, while the entire study will last until the end of 2007.