Policy Address
Harbourfront Enhancement
109. The Government has been striving to enhance the harbourfront on both sides of the Victoria Harbour. Through the collaborative efforts with the Harbourfront Commission, a total of 15 harbourfront sites will have been opened within the period from October last year to the end of this year, further extending the promenade along the Victoria Harbour to 25 kilometres. Also, the management mode of “Harbourfront Shared Space” adopted on a trial basis has been well received by the public. We will continue to implement the open management approach in more harbourfront sites for the public to freely enjoy the harbourfront space in an inclusive environment. Besides, we will adopt a completely fence-free stepped-down water edge design for the first time at the Victoria Harbour to enable visitors to sit by the sea and enjoy an unobstructed view of the beautiful Victoria Harbour.
110. Many of us have a special affection for the Victoria Harbour. With the endeavours of the Government over the past few years, the harbourfront has become a prime public space. Recently, there have been views saying that the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance should be amended. I have no objection to reviewing the ordinance which has been implemented for more than two decades, but I believe that the purpose of any amendment to the said legislation should be to improve connectivity of the harbourfront and increase public space, and not for reclamation to provide land for sale or housing development. The Secretary for Development will commence discussion on the matter in due course.
Cycle Tracks
111. Cycling has become a popular outdoor activity in recent years. The 60-kilometre cycle track connecting Tuen Mun and Ma On Shan and the 2-kilometre cycle track at the Tsuen Wan waterfront were opened in September last year and July this year respectively. They are well received by the public. Continued efforts will be made to take forward the construction works of the remaining track of about 20 kilometres between Tuen Mun and Tsuen Wan, so as to complete the cycle track network connecting eastern and western New Territories. As for the urban area, the 13-kilometre GreenWay for shared use by pedestrians and cyclists in the Kai Tak Development Area will be completed in phases from 2023 onwards.
