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A design competition for the development of a piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) was launched today (May 13) after preparatory work and a series of public consultations. The competition is open to entries in the next five weeks and the winning entry will be used as the design blueprint for constructing the piazza.
The competition, co-organised by the Tourism Commission and the Architectural Services Department, aims to select a creative design for the development of an open space for the enjoyment of locals and visitors, and for holding events and activities. The future piazza is expected to become another prime attraction in Hong Kong.
Based on views collected during the public engagement exercise over the past year, the Tourism Commission has drawn up the planning principles for the development of the piazza, including in-situ preservation of the existing TST Star Ferry Pier, TST Clock Tower, the five flag poles, and Mr Tseng Cho-choi's graffiti outside Star Ferry Pier. According to the town planning and land use restrictions applicable to the site, no commercial development is allowed, and the planned piazza will not include any shopping arcade or commercial buildings.
The design competition is supported by various professional bodies, with the Hong Kong Institute of Architects being the sponsor. Other supporting organisations include the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects, Hong Kong Institute of Planners, Hong Kong Tourism Board, and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
The competition will be open to members of local professional institutes in the architectural, engineering, landscape design, planning and surveying sectors. The winning design will be selected by a panel of adjudicators comprising representatives of the co-organisers, professional members of the architectural, planning and landscape design sectors, the tourism trade, conservation experts of historic structures, as well as council and community representatives.
The competition will proceed in two stages. A maximum of four entries will be shortlisted to enter stage two, and the final results will be announced early next year. Further details of the design competition are available on the website: (www.archsd.gov.hk/english/tstpiazza/home.html).
In June 2005, the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council approved funding of $275 million for the construction of a "Transport Link in Tsim Sha Tsui East", comprising a new bus terminus with podium garden, to replace the existing bus terminus outside TST Star Ferry Pier with a view to releasing the waterfront site for the development of a piazza.
The new bus terminus in TST East commenced operation in August 2007, and three bus routes have so far been relocated to this new bus terminus. The other bus routes using the TST Star Ferry Pier bus terminus will be relocated to the new bus terminus in phases to tie in with the progress of the piazza project.
To facilitate bus and taxi passengers to travel to and from the Star Ferry Pier and maintain smooth traffic flow in the area, the Transport Department will construct a new turnaround at Salisbury Road outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, where a number of bus stops and taxi stands will be provided to enable boarding and alighting of passengers.
Ends/Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:47
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