The plan is part of a government pledge since 2000 to ''green up'' Hong Kong by planting more trees and flowers in urban areas, starting with Tsim Sha Tsui.

A consultancy study to develop the plan for Tsim Sha Tsui has been commissioned by the Civil Engineering and Development Department since September 2004.

The plan for Tsim Sha Tsui is to line all main streets with greenery, and to link up ``greened'' areas such as Kowloon Park and the Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade.

The resulting ``Jade Necklace'' green route is envisioned as providing pedestrians with a healthier environment

Six proposed pilot greening schemes - at Middle Road, Austin Road, Hillwood Road, Science Museum Path, Chatham Road South and Kowloon Park Drive - will start shortly and be completed by the end of this year.

In the meantime, the department will put forward detailed designs for those green areas. The design projects are scheduled to start early next year and expected to finish by December.

Legislators said Wednesday the availability of funds is a central factor in the plan's completion.

The government intends to seek funding approval from the Finance Committee to help implement plans in the next legislative session.

Under the plan, conversion of parking spaces in Carnarvon Road into tree areas will be necessary.

Legco said it had presented the plan to the Yau Tsim Mong District Council twice, and consulted the Yau Tsim Mong South Area Committee.

On all occasions there had been unequivocal support and strong demand for improved urban areas.

Since December 2004, a second plan has been put forward for Central District. Plants, flowers and foliage of different colors with a ``Heart of Gold'' theme have been proposed in the plan's preliminary draft. It is supported by the local district councils.

In addition, the government said it is also collaborating with private developers and quasi-government bodies, such as the Urban Renewal Authority and the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation to help beautify their developments.

One major setback for the plan, outlined by legislator Patrick Chau, is the lack of planting space.

He also called for road safety as the top priority, regarding greenery under bridges and highways.

Chau said more research would be necessary to ensure greenery would grow fully without causing obstructions.

Legco was also told

those living in the areas affected should have the final say in the matter.

The government said that the plan's layout is carefully designed to be in harmony with the surroundings.

Those affected by the plan, such as shop-owners, would be approached before planting begins on site.

The government also announced it would continue to make plans for other urban districts in the next few years.

These included Wan Chai, Sheung Wan, Causeway Bay, Kwun Tong, and Mong Kok.

gavin.bowring@singtaonewscorp.com