The Government plans to dredge and fill the sea-bed within an area of 50.6 hectares of foreshore and sea-bed at Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and North Point and at Victoria Harbour between Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui, to provide land for the construction of major transport infrastructure.

The works will provide about 12.7 hectares of land for the construction of 1,570 metres of seawall, 550 metres of sewage outfall pipelines, 1,100 metres of cross harbour water mains and a piled ferry pier.

The work was gazetted today. It is scheduled to begin in late 2008 or early 2009 for completion by about 2016.

Anyone who has an interest, right or easement in or over the foreshore and sea-bed involved can submit a written objection to the Director of Lands, 20th Floor, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point on or by September 27.

Wan Chai North plan changes proposed

The Town Planning Board today announced proposed amendments to the draft Wan Chai North Outline Zoning Plan, to meet or partially meet previous objections.

They mainly reflect the reduction of the Planning Scheme Area due to the substantial reduction of the proposed reclamation - from 26.4 hectares to 5.7 hectares.

The proposed zoning amendments mainly reflect the proposed waterfront open spaces in Wan Chai, around the Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter and at its existing northern and eastern breakwaters; the proposed waterfront-related commercial and leisure uses and the proposed public waterfront promenade and water recreation-related uses to add vibrancy and variety to the waterfront.

The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club site would not be affected and is rezoned for sports and recreation club use.To enhance pedestrian connection to the waterfront, three landscaped decks are proposed west of the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre Extension, across Hung Hing Road and connecting with Victoria Park. 

Community facilities to be reprovisioned 

The amendments also reflect the proposed sites for Government, institution and community facilities, including those for:

* reprovisioning the Harbour Road Sports Centre, Wan Chai Swimming Pool and Wan Chai North public transport interchange south of Hung Hing Road;

* reprovisioning of the salt water pumping station and the future expansion of Wan Chai East Sewage Screening Plant at Wan Shing Street;

* the possible reprovisioning of the floating Tin Hau Temple at southeastern corner of the Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter; and

* the proposed coach park near Convention Avenue.

The revised plan also provides a site for reprovisioning the Wan Chai Ferry Pier on new reclamation.

The proposed amendments also include land reservation for the railway station facilities and ventilation building of the proposed North Hong Kong Island Line and Shatin to Central Link, and for the Causeway Bay exhaust vent at the existing eastern breakwater of the typhoon shelter. 

Objections deadline: August 10

The Amendment Plan No. O/S/H25/1-B and the proposed amendments to the notes will be available for public inspection between July 27 and August 10 during office hours at the Secretariat of the Board, the Planning Enquiry Counters in North Point and Sha Tin, the Hong Kong District Planning Office, the Wan Chai District Office and the Eastern District Office.

Until August 10, people can submit written objections to the proposed amendments to the Secretary of the Board.

Copies of the draft Wan Chai North OZP together with the Amendment Plan No. O/S/H25/1-B are available for sale at the Map Publications Centres in North Point and Yau Ma Tei. The electronic version of both plans can be viewed at the board's website.

North Point plan amended

Meanwhile, the Town Planning Board has amended the draft North Point Outline Zoning Plan to reflect the Central-Wan Chai Bypass associated facilities and the consequential amendments.

The amendments include the tunnel portal with landscaped deck above, the administration building and service road near Oil Street, the ventilation building near Watson Road, the slip road and road realignments near Victoria Park, the waterfront open space and the amenity areas at the shore of North Point and the proposed landscaped deck extending from Victoria Park.

Arising from the Central-Wan Chai Bypass project, there are adjustments to the zoning boundaries of the sites occupied by Sea View Estate, Harbour Heights and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Depot and rezoning of the Sea View Estate site.