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Kwun Tong Promenade, which is almost a kilometre in length, was officially opened today (September 2). Members of the public will be able to enjoy at close range the spectacular view of the new East Kowloon landmark - the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - as well as the panoramic view of Victoria Harbour and the splendid night scene of Hong Kong Island East. The venue has already become a key recreational facility in the district.
Speaking at the Kwun Tong Promenade Opening Ceremony cum Community Tree Planting Day today, the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Michelle Li, said the Kwun Tong District has developed rapidly in recent years, with a current population of nearly 640,000 and an increasing demand for recreational facilities. The Kwun Tong Promenade is a key public open space of the Kai Tak Development Project, and has been well received since its opening for public use. As an illustration, attendance at the Stage II facilities reached 150,000 in the past three months.
Ms Li attributed the successful completion of the Promenade to the strong support of the Kwun Tong District Council and local groups, and the concerted efforts of the Kwun Tong District Office, Architectural Services Department (ArchSD) and other government departments.
Also officiating at the ceremony were Chairman of the Kwun Tong District Council, Dr Bunny Chan; District Officer (Kwun Tong), Mr Gilford Law, and ArchSD's Project Director, Mrs Alice Yu.
Following the opening ceremony, about 150 students from kindergartens in the district joined Ms Li and other guests in tree planting at the venue to promote the message of greening.
Kwun Tong Promenade covers an area of 4.2 hectares. To commemorate its history as a cargo handling area in Kwun Tong, artistic models of a mechanical crane and recycled paper bundles have been installed at the site. The designs were inspired by the former paper recycling industry at the original pier and aim to rekindle memories of the old cargo handling area. In addition, the promenade's landscaped area is equipped with active lighting, sound and special mist features. During nighttime the lighting flashes and changes along with music, interacting with mists of water droplets emitted from the ground and kaleidoscopic beams from uplights along the whole boardwalk, creating a colourful and surreal effect.
Its architectural design facilitates ventilation and fully utilises natural daylight to make it more environmentally friendly. The venue also provides an array of facilities including a performance area, spectator stands, a children's play area, a sensory garden, an elderly fitness corner, a viewing gallery, a waterfront tree walk and more.
Located at No. 178 Hoi Bun Road in Kwun Tong, Kwun Tong Promenade is open round the clock daily. Members of the public can get there by bus (route Nos 11D, 15A, 15P, 23, 28A, 74X, 80, 80P, 80X, 83X, 93A, 268C and 269C), green minibus (route No. 22A, 68, 103) or ferry (routes between Sai Wan Ho and Kwun Tong, and between North Point and Kwun Tong), or by walking from Kwun Tong or Ngau Tau Kok MTR Stations. For details, please refer to the Leisure and Cultural Services Department website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/parks/ktp/index.html) or call venue staff at 2341 4755.
Ends/Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:00
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