Kowloon Park Research Pilot Development of Underground Space

Among the “big debates” in land supply, the choice between caves and underground spaces is most directly related to Yau Tsim Mong District. Located in Kowloon Park in Tsim Sha Tsui, the Government intends to develop underground space as an all-weather pedestrian network and provide retail and catering facilities.

Yau Tsim Mong District is a well-developed area. The options for reclamation, brownfield or public-private partnerships to develop agricultural land mentioned in the current debate are difficult to implement in the district. The options directly related to the district include medium- and long-term options. “Rock Development and Underground Space”.

Extension of pedestrian network, build 3 to 4 layers

The Urban Underground Space Development Study being implemented by the Government has selected Kowloon Park in Tsim Sha Tsui as one of the pilot pilots.

Located between the two major commercial and retail streets of Canton Road and Nathan Road, Kowloon Park covers an area of ​​13 hectares. According to the preliminary proposal of the Government in public consultation, it plans to develop into an all-weather underground network in the park. Up to 3 to 4 floors, in addition to the pedestrian access, can also provide retail, food, community, leisure and cultural uses.

Provide retail cultural uses, etc.

The Honourable Member of the Yau Tsim Mong District, Mr TANG Ming-yin, said that there are certain challenges in the development of underground space in Yau Tsim Mong District. As the development of the area is mature, even the underground facilities of various types, such as the Mass Transit System or the Drainage Channel, are also Can not be used for housing development purposes.

As for the scheme of underground space in Kowloon Park, Deng Mingxin said that the underground space of the excavation park is expected to have less impact on the underground pipeline network, and the development space is mainly based on public facilities and retail.

In addition, some Members of the Legislative Council are concerned about whether the Government will early recover the 60 hectares of land that was originally reserved for the second phase of the development of Disneyland. Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Chan Bai-li, said that according to the contract signed between the Hong Kong Government and Disneyland, the site can only be used for short-term leisure, entertainment or tourism purposes. It cannot be used for residential development, including transitional housing. The Government has no intention to change the relevant contract. Terms. However, Chen Baili also revealed that some planners plan to use Disney’s second phase of land to launch the first European-style flower theme park event in Hong Kong.