Promenades to hit 29km mark by year-end

Stacy Shi

Promenades in Hong Kong will be lengthened to 29 kilometers by the end of the year,according to Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho.

In a blog post yesterday, Linn referenced the ongoing beautification efforts of both current and former chairmen of the Harbourfront Commission, Ivan Ho Man-yiu and Vincent Ng Wing-shun.

They aim to connect the promenades on both sides of the harbor and open more quality waterfront spaces for the public and tourists soon.

"The promenade is expected to expand to 29km by the end of this year, with further plans to extend it to 34km by 2028," Linn said.

Ho said that the commission has been exploring new approaches to harbor front management and development, promoting activities and adopting a water-friendly, fence-free design to enrich waterfront experiences for the people.

For the East Coast Boardwalk along the Island Eastern Corridor, the first section is expected to be substantially completed by year-end, followed by a phased opening.

Its full opening next year will mark the beginning of a 13km waterfront promenade linking Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan, completing the connection of the harbor front areas along the northern shore of the island.

Linn added that the Development Bureau has submitted the Protection of the Harbour (Amendment) Bill 2024 to the Legislative Council.

"If passed, this bill will allow 14 types of minor reclamation projects for harbor enhancement - such as piers and observation decks - to benefit from a new streamlined mechanism, effectively removing barriers and restrictions for harbor front development," she said.

Ho believes the bill represents a timely response to the growing expectations for harbor front development.

He said that the incremental approach to connecting the waterfronts on either side of Victoria Harbour presents an opportunity to further enhance the areas.

"I believe that with the efforts of the Development Bureau and the commission, we will continue to create more accessible, vibrant, and attractive harbor fronts through innovative thinking and public engagement, exploring the limitless possibilities of Victoria Harbor," Linn added.