The government plans to turn the area around Hung Hom Station into a new harborfront landmark, featuring yacht berths and a boardwalk beneath the Hung Hom Bypass.
According to a government paper submitted to the Legislative Council’s development panel, the project aims to enhance public spaces, connectivity, and transport facilities while preserving existing structures such as the Hung Hom Station and the Hong Kong Coliseum.
"The area, which houses extensive railway infrastructure, presents significant development challenges but also holds substantial potential," said Permanent Secretary for Development (Planning and Lands) Doris Ho Pui-ling during Tuesday's panel meeting.
The proposal includes creating a commercial and transport hub, improving pedestrian links, and developing an integrated entertainment and retail complex on the former ferry pier site.
A key feature will be a 50-story mixed-use tower along the waterfront, potentially including tourist attractions like an elevated skywalk.
Spanning approximately 24 hectares - including 14 hectares of land and 10 hectares of water body - the development will incorporate 200 yacht berths and spaces for water leisure activities.
Noting that while detailed cost estimates have yet to be finalized, Ho assured lawmakers that land acquisition would face little challenges as most properties are owned by the government through Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation.
The MTR Corporation is currently conducting feasibility studies, with a public consultation exercise over the next two months to gauge stakeholders' opinions on land use proposals.
The government plans a phased approach, beginning with revenue-generating waterfront developments to fund subsequent stages.
Ho clarified that while no subsidies will be provided, the government expects to benefit financially through potential partnerships with private developers, possibly via open tendering.
In response to concerns about density, officials emphasized that development will prioritize visual openness and air circulation, with mid- and high-rise clusters concentrated near coastal and inland areas.
Key components include constructing a platform and overhead building on the former Cross-Harbour Tunnel toll plaza site by 2037, housing transport facilities and a shopping mall with covered links to Hung Hom Station.
A new public transport interchange will replace the existing open-air facility, creating space for green public plazas.
Pedestrian improvements feature refurbished walkways near Hong Kong Polytechnic University, widened footbridges, and two new covered connections - one linking Hung Hom Station to the Coliseum and another to the eastern waterfront, all targeted for completion by 2035.
The waterfront will also feature a signature commercial-residential tower, approximately 64,600 square meters of retail space, a hotel, and about 1,300 private residential units.
The government aims to commence statutory procedures in the second half of next year, targeting completion of the first phase - including waterfront developments, yacht facilities and entertainment complexes - within ten years.
(Ayra Wang)
