Island East : Part of a Harbour-wide Identity

The Harbour Connectivity Study, commissioned and published by the Harbour Business Forum (HBF), addressed the goal of the Town Planning Board "To make Victoria Harbour attractive, vibrant, accessible and symbolic of Hong Kong" as a prime concern. The Study took the view that, Hong Kong's harbourfront, lagged behind other major coastal cities.

In particular, some 60% of the current harbourfront was found to lack either accessibility or continuity with and between the harbour and nearby inland areas. As a result, the Study proposed a continuous harbourfront promenade enhanced by new, desirable and attractive facilities for enjoyment and relaxation.

In this context, the overall identity of the Island East segment of waterfront can be characterised as having four distinct zones.

North Point Promenade
Access to the waterfront could be extended by provision of a pedestrian link under the Island Eastern Corridor, which would also encourage people to walk along the proposed harbourfront promenade. Walking from east to west, for example, pedestrians would be greeted by the dramatic orientation and picture-postcard aspects of Central District. Enabling and encouraging this leisurely walk is a priority for this urban stretch of the island.

Island East Park
The commercial and residential clusters in this section of Hong Kong are organised around the parks that surround the Eastern Harbour Crossing Tunnel. It is here the opportunity to connect disparate open spaces with a major, regionally serving park presents itself. Inspired by the hugely successful Eden Project in the UK, this proposal presents an excellent opportunity to build a world-class Eco-Park that would adequately house suitable ecological biomes and public events fully supported by infrastructure and related social facilities.

Shau Kei Wan Fisherman’s Wharf
The proposed promenade meanders east past Soho East and the typhoon shelter toward Shau Kei Wan, where it would be possible to build on the area's fishing heritage in a way that would draw attention to Hong Kong's maritime heritage. Offering cultural, leisure and dining activities, the area could become a new and enjoyable destination for visitors and residents alike.

The Eastern Seaboard
The natural coastline and orientation toward the habitat waters of Sai Kung and the South China Sea make the final stretch of harbour an ideal home for outdoor and nature enthusiasts. Subsequent new water focused sporting facilities emerging in Chai Wan would add to this character.