PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

8-5-2005

Society of Protection of the Harbour is disappointed about Town Planning Board's rejection on our rezoning request on the Central District (Extension) Outline Zoning Plan. TPB's decision is unacceptable. It does not go along public and District Councils. This decision will not only cause to a lost of Hong Kong 's precious harbour, but also our future generation would never enjoy an attractive and vibrant harbourfront.

The government claimed that the government plans to make the area of Central reclamation to the minimum. But in today's meeting, we could clearly see that there are many alternative ways that could reduce the amount of reclamation. For example, now the government proposed to build sea water cooling system, which involve reclamation, and they do not consider the present popular fresh water cooling system, which does not need reclamation. This shows that government's action does not pass the tests of “Overriding Public Need” in the Harbour Protection Ordinance.

Government has insisted that the major reason for Central Reclamation is to solve the traffic congestion problem. However, government's action today is clearly show they failed to commit their promises. The area of “Comprehensive Development Area”(CDA) has the same length as the height of IFC 2 tower, and almost the same GFA. The CDA will bring more need of traffic, which will worsen the traffic condition in Central, instead of improving it.

Furthermore, TPB has mistakenly put the eastern land area of Central Reclamation III into Wai Chai Review Consultation. As a member of Harbour-front Enhancement Committee, SPH aware that this specific area has never be consulted during the the Wai Chai North Development Review. This reflects that the government's planning process is incomplete and poorly organized.

According to TPB's outline zoning plan, a large area of CDA and a number of commercial developments, would have bad effects on ventilation (“screen effect”) and visual impact. With the huge volume of building/developments, people around Central could not enjoy the wonderful scenery of Victoria Harbour . Unfortunately, it seems TPB does not consider the cultural aspects and amend their outline zoning plan.

We feel very sorry for TPB's decision. SPH will consider the TPB decision thoroughly and may take further action in the future. For any enquiries, please contact SPH Director Hardy Lok at 9506 4700 or Campaign Manager Angus Ho at 6176 1757.