URA makes most of Kwun Tong Free Space

The Urban Renewal Authority's "Kwun Tong Free Space" night market attracted 240,000 visitors in the first four days after its opening on January 25 and managing director Wai Chi-sing said more activities are set in the coming six months.

"The visitor number showed Free Space [near Yue Man Square] can gather people, inject vitality and enhance vibes in Kwun Tong city center," Wai said on his blog.

URA received inquiries and reservations from different organizations in over a month since reservations officially opened, Wai said, adding the night market will run until February 16.

"Over the next six months, Free Space will host multiple community events related to sports, culture, arts, and recreation," he said. "These events include an Easter carnival organized by church groups and a new sports experience event hosted by a charity organization promoting social inclusion."

URA has expanded the land use of the project area to accommodate various events.

Apart from land leveling alongside the installation of basic facilities such as water and electricity supplies, the expansion included the construction of the first public restroom in the city built using aluminum structures and modular methods.

"Unlike conventional portable toilets, the restroom is not only more hygienic but also equipped with a user-friendly automated management system to cater to the needs of users," Wai said.

A pedestrian walkway connecting the Kwun Tong Free Space will fully open tomorrow.

The walkway connects to major transportation hubs and YM2 Yue Man Square.

Colorful designs were added to the ground and six unique shaded pavilions were installed, which aims to provide a more diverse walking experience.

The pathway will be fully accessible starting tomorrow after sections of the pathway were opened to the public in the past week. Wai said it will make Kwun Tong city center "more accessible and well-connected."

A large-scale bamboo art installation on the pathway aims to present Kwun Tong's history. It is a collaboration with local bamboo craftsman Ting For-chun and his team.

Bamboo was used as the main material to weave strips to depict the waves crashing onshore, representing the old Kwun Tong coastline, using a technique called "random weaving."

The tender for Kwun Tong town center development's areas four and five was withdrawn in February last year. Planning proposals are currently in the public consultation phase.

"I hope relevant planning procedures can be completed smoothly, allowing URA to proceed with the tendering process in the 2024-25 financial year, achieving the goal of creating Kwun Tong city center 2.0 as soon as possible," Wai said.

adelyn.lau@singtaonewscorp.com