Read More
The government has shelved the controversial lighting project on the Peak following environmental concerns from local residents and hikers, pledging to remove all related installations and restore the area to its original state.
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
The decision was disclosed in a paper submitted by the Tourism Commission and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) to the Central and Western District Council on Thursday.
Authorities said the decision was finalized after reviewing a revised proposal that would have cut the number of lighting spots along the trail from 10 to seven and shortened the project’s overall duration.
However, officials concluded that the scaled-back proposal would still fail to fully address community concerns over the preservation of the Peak’s natural habitat.
Officials also pointed out that significantly downsizing the project would compromise its original design concept and intended visual impact.
According to the document, the government will dismantle the installations as soon as possible and fully rehabilitate the affected areas.
The administration explained that while the initiative was originally conceived to revitalize traditional tourist attractions and encourage visitors to extend their stay, traveler options have since broadened substantially.
With a diverse lineup of major international concerts, sports tournaments, cultural events, and festive celebrations taking place across the city, officials said the immediate need for the lighting installation had diminished.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui addressed the decision.
Law explained that while the HKTB had consulted and briefed the district council as early as April and sent letters explaining the project's concept to neighborhood residents, strong objections emerged once preparatory work commenced earlier this month.
Authorities promptly conducted three on-site inspections alongside local district councilors to gather community feedback, Law said.
After reviewing public sentiment and considering numerous suggestions, officials concluded there was no pressing need to push ahead with the project.
Law emphasized that because the attraction had neither commenced operations nor entered its maintenance phase, the public resources expended were limited and drawn from pre-existing funding already allocated to the HKTB.
She added that dismantled lighting fixtures and equipment will be repurposed for other HKTB initiatives wherever feasible.
(Updated at 9.15pm)
