The government is advancing plans for the "Victoria Cove Area", a mixed-use zone that would become a major new waterfront district in To Kwa Wan, according to the Urban Renewal Authority.
URA managing director Wai Chi-sing said the project aims to transform the eastern section of Victoria Harbour into a vibrant hub for leisure, tourism, business, and residential use, in a planning strategy that resembles Sydney's Darling Harbour and Oslo's Aker Brygge.
In a Sunday blog post, Wai noted that To Kwa Wan waterfront, with its triangular-shaped water body spanning 348 hectares, is the biggest compared to other bays along Victoria Harbour.
The full Victoria Cove Area would cover approximately 798 hectares when combined with inland areas, he said, adding that a coordinated planning approach integrating sea, coastline, and inland development could make it a world-class waterfront district.
Currently, parts of the To Kwa Wan waterfront remain inaccessible as private developments and industrial sites along the harbour created breaks in what would otherwise be a continuous public promenade.
Key obstacles include Fishtail Rock, a natural landmark near Hoi Sham Park; gas facilities of private residential estate Grand Waterfront; and Green Island Cement Pier.
The Legislative Council passed the Protection of the Harbour (Amendment) Bill 2024 on Wednesday (May 7), which permits small-scale reclamation projects – such as piers, viewing decks, and breakwaters – as long as they cover no more than 0.8 hectares of Victoria Harbour.
(sing tao file) Wai said the authority has commissioned research on integrating inland and coastal spaces while potentially adding sports and leisure facilities along the shoreline.
Wai said this amendment provides greater flexibility to connect fragmented sections of the waterfront.
The government plans to use the new rules to revitalize the Kowloon City Vehicular Ferry Pier and explore adding boardwalks or landing steps near Grand Waterfront and Green Island Cement Pier.
These improvements would help link To Kwa Wan’s waterfront with nearby districts like Hung Hom and Kai Tak, Wai added.
The Central Kowloon Route, an underground expressway connecting West Kowloon with East Kowloon, is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Additionally, To Kwa Wan Road will be widened from four lanes to six to improve traffic flow between To Kwa Wan and Kai Tak.
Wai said these infrastructure projects will bring more visitors and economic activity to the future Victoria Cove Area.
The URA is also studying ways to enhance public access to the waterfront and introduce water-based recreational activities.
The authority has commissioned research on integrating inland and coastal spaces while potentially adding sports and leisure facilities along the shoreline.
(Ayra Wang)
