Findings of Stage 1 PE report lead to discussion on strategic directions for the preparation of the Development Plan

On 23rd April, the Board of the WKCDA discussed the Report on the Analysis of Views for the Stage 1 PE exercise.  The Board identified a number of strategic directions to be followed by the three Conceptual Plan Consultants as they prepare their Conceptual Plan Options.

Mr Henry Tang, Chairman of the Board of the WKCDA, said, "Hong Kong people have spelt out their dreams of what the WKCD could and should be in the Stage 1 PE exercise. The Conceptual Plan and Project Consultants should work together to design the WKCD’s layout, to ensure that these views are not only heard, but taken into account in preparing the district’s plans."

The Stage 1 PE report analysed the views among the general public and stakeholders from more than 7,000 questionnaires and written submissions received.

For the preparation of the Development Plan of the WKCD, the Board took the following strategic directions at the meeting:

•  In designing the Conceptual Plan Options, qualities such as "Artistic/ Cultural Feel", "Relaxing", "Inspiring", "Inviting", "Showcasing Hong Kong’s Unique Local and Traditional Characteristics" and "Exhibiting a Green Setting" should be adopted as the major directions when planning the overall look and ambience of the district;

•  The seven Planning Design Principles – "Creativity", "Accessibility", "Connectivity", "Integration", "Vibrancy", "Uniqueness" and "Sustainability" – should continue to be used as the framework for the future development of the WKCD, with particular emphasis on "Sustainability";

•  The Conceptual Plan Consultants should pay heed to the preferences and views expressed by the public and stakeholders on travelling to-and-from and within the WKCD and public open space in designing the layout of the WKCD;

•  The Consultants should consider how to best incorporate the ideas on "Education-Related Facilities", "Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)" and "Barrier-free access for persons with disabilities" in planning the WKCD;

•  Further consideration would be given to what additional facilities should be undertaken in the WKCD as no predominant view has emerged in the Stage 1 PE exercise;

•  An organic growth and clustering approach for the facilities should be adopted in planning the WKCD; and

•  In preparing the technical design of the Core Arts and Cultural Facilities (CACF), the Chief Executive Officer, respective Executive Directors and the arts and culture stakeholders will all work closely together.

In a discussion of the report on 7th April, members of the Consultation Panel expressed their hope that the Authority will continue to provide clear information and enhance the use of information technology throughout Stage 2 PE exercise.

The views received during the Stage 1 PE exercise provide a useful reference for the Conceptual Plan Consultants, who are required to produce a statement on how the public’s views have been taken into account during the development of their Conceptual Plan Options. Their designs will be unveiled to the public during Stage 2 of the PE exercise, scheduled for summer 2010.