Central and Wan Chai Reclamation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Central and Wan Chai Reclamation is a project launched by the Hong Kong Government since the 1990s to reclaim land for different purposes.
Contents |
[edit] Background
The project was first mentioned in the 1985 planning strategy by the Government.[1] The Government then completed a feasibility study in 1989, followed by endorsement of the then Land Development Policy Committee on the project.[2]
[edit] The project
The project is divided into 5 phases.
[edit] Central Reclamation
[edit] Phase 1
The Central Reclamation Phase 1 involved reclaiming 20 hectares of land, plus redevelopment of 6 hectares of land, between Rumsey Street and Pedder Street, for the construction of Hong Kong Station of the Airport Railway. It also provided land for new piers, replacements of other facilities affected by reclamation. Works started in 1993 and were completed in June 1998. This phase of reclamation is part of the Airport Core Programme. The cost was HK$2,710 million. Upon completion of the project, the coastline of Central was extended up to 350 metres beyond the original coastline.[3]
[edit] Phase 2
The Central Reclamation Phase 2 reclaimed 5.3 hectares of land at the former Tamar naval base. The reclamation formed land for the Tamar Site, and also 5 commercial development sites. Works started in December 1994 and were completed in September 1997. The cost was HK$320 million.[4]
It has been proposed that a new complex housing the headquarters of the Government and the Legislative Council be built on the reclaimed land. [5]
[edit] Phase 3
The Central Reclamation Phase 3 involves reclamation for the overrun track of Airport Express, the west section of the proposed North Island Line and the Central-Wan Chai Bypass, new Star Ferry piers, new roads, and other facilities. The cost is HK$3,561.5 million. It was originally planned to reclaim 32 hectares of land, but has been reduced to 18 due to public opposition.[6]
Works have started on 2003-02-28 and are scheduled to be completed in 2009.[7]
[edit] Wan Chai Reclamation
[edit] Phase 1
The Wan Chai Reclamation Phase 1 provided 7 hectares of reclaimed land, in the form of an island, for the extension of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Works started in March 1994 and were completed in July 1997.[8]
[edit] Phase 2 (Wan Chai Development Phase 2)
The Wan Chai Development Phase 2 will provide land for the east section of North Island Line and Central-Wan Chai Bypass, and also the proposed Shatin-Central Link. The project is currently under review.[9]
[edit] Controversy
The project created much public controversy, mainly due to its impact on Victoria Harbour. The Society for Protection of the Harbour requested judicial reviews on Wan Chai Reclamation and Central Reclamation, on 2003-02-27 and 2003-09-25 respectively. On 2003-10-06 the High Court announced that the Government may proceed with the Central Reclamation, however on 2004-01-09 the Court of Final Appeal rejected the Town Planning Board's proposal on the draft Wan Chai North OZP, and the Wan Chai Development Phase 2 had to be reviewed.[10]
[edit] References
- ^ 150 Years of Hong Kong Harbour and Land Development, Ho Pui-yin, Commercial Press. ISBN 962-07-6339-4
- ^ Central and Wan Chai Reclamation
- ^ Central Reclamation (Phase 1)
- ^ Hong Kong Harbour Reclamation - FactBox - Central Harbour Reclamation Phase 1 & 2
- ^ Tamar Development Exhibition of Design Proposals
- ^ Central Reclamation Phase III - Project History
- ^ Central reclamation phase III - engineering works
- ^ Central and Wan Chai Reclamation
- ^ Harbourfront Enhancement Review - Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and Adjoining Areas
- ^ Chronology of Events Relating to Central Reclamation Phase III ("CRIII")
