Planning for Victoria Harbour
The Board's Vision and Goals for Victoria Harbour
Background
The Town Planning Board recognises that the Victoria Harbour is a special public asset and part of the natural heritage of Hong Kong. The Board also shares the community's desire to protect and preserve the Harbour. It is based on this public aspiration that the Board has formulated its "Vision and Goals for Victoria Harbour". In the process of preparing the Vision Statement, there was extensive public consultation via various channels:
| Date | Bodies Consulted |
|---|---|
| 10/06/1999 | Legislative Council Panel on Planning, Lands and Works |
| 22/06/1999 | Land and Building Advisory Committee |
| 23/06/1999 | Public Seminar (attended by Legislative Council Members, Town Planning Board Members, Government officials, representatives from various professional institutes, concern groups and interested bodies, developers and general public) |
| 19/07/1999 | Advisory Council on the Environment |
There was general support of the Board's initiative to protect the Harbour and the Vision Statement itself. The Vision Statement may be regarded as the product of a major concerted effort involving various sectors of the community. In preparing statutory plans covering the waterfront areas, the Board gives due regard to the Vision Statement and the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance.
The Vision Statement
The Vision Statement sets out the Board's vision and goals for the Victoria Harbour, and its statement of intent on reclamation.
Vision
To make Victoria Harbour attractive, vibrant, accessible and symbolic of Hong Kong - a harbour for the people and a harbour of life.
Goals
- To bring the people to the Harbour and the Harbour to the people.
- To enhance the scenic views of the Harbour and maintain visual access to the harbour-front.
- To enhance the Harbour as a unique attraction for our people and tourists.
- To create a quality harbour-front through encouraging innovative building design and a variety of tourist, retail, leisure and recreational activities, and providing an integrated network of open space and pedestrian links.
- To facilitate the improvement of the water quality of the Harbour.
- To maintain a safe and efficient harbour for the transport of people and goods and for the operation of an international hub port.
Statement of Intent on Reclamation
The Harbour is to be protected and preserved as a special public asset and a natural heritage of the people of Hong Kong. Reclamation in the Harbour should only be carried out to meet essential community needs and public aspirations. It has to be environmentally acceptable and compatible with the principle of sustainable development and the principle of presumption against reclamation in the Harbour.
Please visit the Vision Statement for the complete document.