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拼湊海濱的經驗
「維港海濱攝影及短片創作比賽」公開組・攝影・相機 - 亞軍 ｜葉子晴 —〈The Eternal Promise by the Harbour〉
維港兩岸海濱得以蓬勃發展，海濱事務委員會歷屆主席及委員承先啟後的努力功不可沒。我們特別邀請委員和曾參與海濱建設的團隊，分享他們在推展海濱工作過程中遇到的各種挑戰，以及他們對海濱發展理念的詮釋。展望將來，委員會將繼往開來建設更有活力、更多元、更貼近市民需要和更暢達連貫的海濱。
港島區海濱發展專責小組主席
非官方成員（個人）
何文堯 先生
港島北海濱的飛躍
20年前共建維港委員會成立之時，曾經舉手希望代表學會參加，不過最後沒有這個機會。11年前，經過吳永順先生的遊說，代表了香港城市設計學會參加海濱事務委員會，一直工作至今，非常感恩。這11年，一直都參與了「港島區海濱發展專責小組」，在過去的三、四年間香港島海濱的飛躍發展，令我留下深刻印象。由金鐘至灣仔、銅鑼灣、炮台山，一段又一段的海濱相繼落成開放給市民使用，那一份喜悅、開心和興奮，非筆墨所能形容。身邊認識的人都不斷表達了對海濱事務委員會的感謝，但能夠令到這個奇蹟成真，背後有一大堆人功不可沒，包括前任和現任的發展局局長、常任秘書長、歷任海濱事務專員、發展局的海港辦事處全體同事、各個持份者例如相關的工務部門和管理部門，這幾年港島海濱所發生的一切，是大家一起努力的成果。執筆的時候，「水上運動及康樂主題區第四期」已經接近完成，很快可以開放給市民使用，當中的主題——已退役的「烏蠅頭」列車和部分車卡，一定會再次為香港島海濱加添色彩。更加期待的是從2024年年底起，將會分階段落成的「東區走廊下之行人板道」，加上「東岸公園」的餘下部分，到時候全長13公里的港島北維港海濱長廊，將會由筲箕灣全線打通連接到堅尼地城。
回顧10多年海濱工作，總結出16字經驗：
引領方向、權衡輕重、合縱連橫、妥協交易。
希望大家一起共勉！
Chairperson, Task Force on Harbourfront Developments in Kowloon, Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing
Non-official Member (Individual)
Prof Becky LOO Pui-ying JP
The Smart Management of Victoria Harbourfront
Victoria Harbourfront is a key public asset of Hong Kong. It evolves with the Hong Kong society. Over the last 20 years, it has undergone a facelift, with the injection of new elements, ranging from modern renovations from international designers (showcased by the Avenue of Stars (AoS) and Salisbury Garden) to the open management model advocated by the Harbour Office of the Development Bureau (showcased by the Belcher Bay Promenade in Kennedy Town and HarbourChill in Wanchai). Some important questions are: Have these changes been well received by the general public? How have these changes changed the experience of visitors to the harbourfront? To what extent have the outcomes aligned with the Harbour Planning Principles and contributed to the overall vision of making our Victoria Harbourfront “attractive, vibrant, accessible and sustainable”?
To answer the above questions, we need to be evidence-based and make good use of smart technologies. On the one hand, the smart management of our harbourfront space will boost Hong Kong’s competitiveness as a global smart city. On the other hand, it will serve community needs better and enhance the wellbeing of Hong Kong people. From the rich experience of the Harbourfront Commission over the last 20 years, there are a few evidence-based lessons that can inspire future vision.
Data-driven visitor management system can help make harbourfront spaces safe. Take AoS as an example, an analysis [1] on visitors’ flow characteristics, activities and social distancing has shown that visitors walked faster, exercised more, travelled with smaller groups, and reduced interaction with handprints and statues during COVID-19. Moreover, most of the crowds happened at the bottlenecks near the Cultural Centre and to the west of K11, which need special attention especially during events like fireworks. Such information not only advises us on where to install new handprints (e.g. avoiding the bottlenecks) but also the importance of designing multifunctional public spaces, while ensuring crowd safety.
Dynamic harbourfront spaces contribute to healthy cities. Research [2] has also shown that the open management model of the Belcher Bay Promenade has significantly facilitated social interactions in public space, with the moveable blue cargo blocks being noteworthy. The creation of a landmark is very effective in gathering people, as people simply gather and observe. Group activities are strong from 10-11am and 4-5pm. Visitors’ behaviour has shown a clear pattern, with the interaction with semi-fixed or movable site features being associated with higher odds of people being “playful” and physically-active. These results provide lessons for us to design harbourfront spaces in support of an active lifestyle.
People and places are key to all Harbour Planning Principles. We cannot plan well without understanding about people’s behaviour over time and space. Technologies have allowed us to collect these data in an anonymized manner. In the future, the potential of implementing smart management is huge. For instance, the Tsuen Wan Ecoshore Engineering project can be a suitable case, where smart technologies can help to monitor from birds, sea animals, water quality, temperature and air quality in the natural environment to energy consumption, pollution and people behaviour. With more experience gained, these lessons of harbourfront management can hopefully also be implemented to other open spaces in Hong Kong, making Hong Kong’s open spaces “attractive, vibrant, accessible and sustainable”.
References:水域與陸地連接及活化海濱專責小組主席
非官方成員（團體）
香港運輸物流學會
梁剛銳 先生 BBS JP
要說到20年來最難忘，必定是在前共建維港委員會的最初三年（即2004至2007年），當時我正擔任「灣仔發展計劃第二期項目」小組委員會主席，可喻為與一群「戰友」奮戰三年！
當時受到填海官司判決影響，令所有已規劃的填海工程即時煞停，特區政府決定成立共建維港委員會作為聽取公眾對維多利亞港兩岸的規劃、土地用途和發展的一個渠道，向政府提供意見。我作為交通運輸界別的專業人士，考慮到香港的運輸規劃及港島東西區繁重的交通流量，因而興建的中環灣仔繞道貫通東西，作用非凡。身為主席，我跟土木工程拓展署、路政署及運輸署等部門及單位通力合作之餘，亦要大力促進公眾參與，所以小組首三年真的竭盡所能，以多種方式於坊間收集意見，與市民共同研究如何處理灣仔海濱及道路規劃問題。得出的結論雖然顯示市民廣泛支持興建繞道，不過卻再次陷入「小量填海」的糾結討論之中。有見及此，我向負責官員提出，若然官員與市民對此拿不定主意，不如訴諸專家，成立份量十足的國際權威專家小組參謀獻策，灣仔繞道規劃最終得到支持並落實工程。17年後再回看，這個案為香港交通運輸系統作出別具意義的貢獻，亦因小量填海而為近年駁通及優化灣仔至北角的海濱創造了有利條件，實在是「對得住自己，對得住香港」！
一路走來20年，我跟海濱同樣上了珍貴的一課，相信維港會繼續駁通、繼續優化，我們亦會繼續學習、繼續成長。
非官方成員（個人）
林家輝 測量師
記得第一年做海濱事務委員會委員的時候，就參加了荃灣西、卑路乍灣海濱的設計、中環海濱的開幕，心情非常興奮。其後的五年多，見證到其他維港海濱項目的設計與落成開幕，例如灣仔、東岸公園、兒童醫院海旁、紅磡、油塘等。還有，很開心完成由油街至鰂魚涌海濱的板道項目設計與招標，項目正在施工，期待它的完工開幕，屆時市民可以從筲箕灣海濱一直步行或者跑步至堅尼地城海濱。實在美好！
非官方成員（個人）
楊偉誠 博士 BBS MH JP
香港繁華，得於維港，其美在於濱岸。今天優化的成果，來之不易，實賴香港特區政府的鼎力支持，歷屆委員嘔心瀝血的努力，各方持份者互助互讓，互相包容，求同存異。繼往開來，我們仍有很多使命要落實，例如連接由北角至鰂魚涌的行人板道等。我相信在未來的歲月裡，仍需各界同心協力，優化海濱，共創輝煌。
非官方成員（個人）
柯創盛 先生 MH
共同前行：九東海濱的建設與發展
自從香港回歸祖國以來，海港事業得到了快速發展，成為香港經濟的重要推動力。作為海港事業發展的參與者，我們積極推動九東海濱區域的發展，力求實現「港人之港、活力之港」的目標。
為了給市民和旅客打造出更加舒適、美麗的海濱空間，我們推動建設「啟德海濱公園」、「活化翠屏河」及「茶果嶺海濱公園」等項目，促進海濱空間「生態美化、海濱活化」，即在海濱建設跨河通道和觀景平台的同時，也注重保護和修復海濱的生態環境。此外，我們還支持各種表演和互動活動在海濱公園舉辦，更在節日呈現節慶燈飾裝點氛圍，吸引更多市民和旅客來到海濱，令公眾盡情享用海港及海旁地帶。
展望未來，我們將繼續積極與各方合作，共同推動海濱的改造和可持續發展，讓海港成為更加宜居、宜遊的地方。
Non-official Member (Organisation)
Business Environment Council Limited
Mr Simon NG Ka-wing & Mrs Margaret BROOKE
I have always held the view that Victoria Harbour is not only part of Hong Kong’s DNA, but has also shaped the past, present and, no doubt, the future of the city. It also represents the signature with which residents, and visitors alike, associate Hong Kong.
For that reason, I have been pleased to represent the Business Environment Council (BEC) on the Harbourfront Commission, which is the champion for the Harbour, to help steer and monitor the works proposed by the Government which are intended to enhance the quality of Hong Kong’s waterfront offer. Initially the priority was to bring the Harbour to the people and the people to the Harbour, so that both visitors and residents alike could access this important community asset, but more latterly the thrust has been to enhance the quality and variety of the waterfront experience.
The challenge is and remains that control of the waterfront in Hong Kong and any new initiatives are vested in the Government whereas in many other jurisdictions, an authority or agency has been established which takes charge of the operation and management of the harbourfront. This enables the creation of public-private partnerships and the involvement of the business sector which brings to bear creativity, vitality, and innovation with respect to the range of activities that take place both on land and in the water.
Hence, the importance of representation from organisations, such as BEC who considers proposals from the stance not only of public usage but also from a sustainability and environment perspective and examine them through a somewhat wider value-add lens. The role of the Commission is not to be under-estimated as all plans and projects touching on the Harbour come to the Commission for review, and it is fair to say that most are revised on the advice of the Commission.
For that reason, it is important that BEC continues to play a role in shaping and influencing the character of the Victoria Harbour waterfront, to ensure all initiatives reflect the necessary hallmark of quality and resilience to be expected when considering an asset of the significance of Victoria Harbour.
There are many elements of the waterfront that have contributed to the collective memory of Hong Kong and to my mind that picture postcard view of Hong Kong Harbour epitomizes what makes Hong Kong and Victoria Harbour so special.
Non-official Member (Organisation)
Friends of the Earth (HK) Charity Limited
Dr Vivian WONG TAAM Chi-woon JP
Our Harbour, Our Heritage, Our Green Legacy
From “fragrant” harbour to “smelly” harbour to “rehabilitated” harbour, Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour has undergone over three decades of transformation.
How did Victoria Harbour reclaim its past glory from being a sewage dumping ground for municipal discharge and industrial effluent, a marine traffic thoroughfare, a reclamation hotspot, and a road traffic decongestion corridor? Credits go to the outspoken and visionary scientists, academics, professionals and environmental groups who voiced concerns and shared ideas to revitalize the harbourfront and spearheaded the eventual establishment of the Harbourfront Commission. Friends of the Earth (HK) has championed Victoria Harbour since 1990’s. We lobbied to clean up water pollution, to upgrade municipal sewage disposal and treatment and to stop excessive reclamation. We advocated walkability and public accessibility. We campaigned to reclaim harbourfront open space for public enjoyment. Community involvement and public participation in city planning and public space making are the cornerstone to revitalize Victoria Harbour with the people, by the people and for the people. Friends of the Earth (HK) is honored to be involved in the Victoria Harbour revitalization in the past 20 years.
We are proud to preserve our harbourfront green legacy for our future generations.
Non-official Member (Organisation)
Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design
Mr Joel CHAN Cho-sing
VICTORIA HARBOUR – Harbour for a World-Class City
The Harbourfront Commission since its establishment in 2003 has actively provoked the transformation of our harbourfront area from mainly service utility function space into a people centric precinct. This is one of the Habourfront Commission remarkable achievements in making Hong Kong a livable city in the last two decades. Whilst the harbourfront design of a city is a reflection of the society and governance standard, Harbourfront Commission certainly plays an important leading role in steering the harbourfront design in the coming decade to make Hong Kong a forerunner harbourfront city in the international arena. The “incremental approach” adopted in the last decade has successfully connected different parts of the promenade in Victoria Harbour to allow public access to the harbourfront sites with the various activities implemented in the promenade to enhance the vibrancy and attraction. For the next decade of focus, in addition to addressing the local district context, cultural identity, socio-economic, tourism and recreational needs of the Hong Kong people, a holistic and sustainable vision for the Victoria Harbour is needed to further elevate the standard of our harbourfront design and to establish the identity of Hong Kong as a world-class harbourfront city that connects with the world and attracts worldwide talent’s attention.
The Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design (HKIUD) has been actively involved in the Commission since its establishment. We are glad to see the Commission has evolved itself to be a very successful collaboration platform between the Government and the public, becoming an insight to the governance of future topics. HKIUD members would strive to continue our support and contribution to the Commission in our various capacities.
Non-official Member (Organisation)
Society for Protection of the Harbour
Mr Winston CHU Ka-sun JP
Legal Control of Reclamation
Enhancing Hong Kong’s harbourfront has 2 basic requirements: firstly, there must be a harbour to be enjoyed; and secondly, there must be a permanent harbourfront to plan.
Since the British occupation of Hong Kong in 1842, it was Government policy to make land from the harbour through reclamation due to the shortage of land. This should no longer be necessary after the Joint Declaration was signed in 1984 which would make the New Territories part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and thereby would increase the land area nine folds. Yet in 1994, even though by then half of the harbour had already been reclaimed, the Government submitted to the Town Planning Board a Reclamation Plan to reclaim a further 1,297 hectares. This would have reduced the harbour into a narrow channel only about 800 metres wide.
In response, our Society submitted the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance which was enacted in 1997 with the overwhelming support of the Legislative Council and the public. The Ordinance prescribed a ‘presumption against reclamation’ such that the legality of reclamation proposals will be determined by the law courts. It was the only reliable way to protect the harbour as the law courts are the only independent authority which have control over the Government and could enforce and administer the Ordinance ‘without fear or favour’. Yet the Government still gazetted five reclamation proposals totalling 584 hectares. Three judicial reviews were instituted by our Society resulting in the leading Judgment of the Court of Final Appeal in 2004 which supported and enforced the Ordinance and prescribed an ‘Overriding Public Need’ Test for all reclamations. The Court of Final Appeal pronounced that the Harbour is undoubtedly a central part of Hong Kong’s identity. It is the heart of the metropolis and something extraordinary to be transmitted from generation to generation. Reclamation that had already taken place renders what remains of the Harbour even more precious and makes the need to protect and preserve it more important and compelling.
Since then the Government had adopted an enlightened policy towards enhancing the harbour and harbourfront. As a result of the work of the former Harbour-front Enhancement Committee and the Harbourfront Commission, Victoria Harbour is now enjoyed by the people of Hong Kong and visitors from abroad. Hence the Ordinance is invaluable and indispensable in protecting and preserving Victoria Harbour for the present and future generations.
非官方成員（團體）
長春社
鍾姍姍 博士
可持續的香港海濱
2024年是海濱事務委員會成立20周年的大日子。長春社有幸早於2004年開始加入海濱事務委員會的前身──共建維港委員會，而當時長春社的代表是郭毅權博士。除了強調提升委員會的透明度和把可持續發展的概念注入到海濱發展外，在得到委員會的支持下，郭博士在2005年領導「中環海濱與我」工作小組，以隨機抽樣調查、訪問、工作坊、展覽和公眾論壇來展示如何把公眾參與融入海濱的可持續發展。得到現時海濱事務委員會主席吳永順先生等多名委員、各部門官員和社區人士的支持和加入，項目最終有多達3,000名公眾人士參與，除為提升中環海濱的發展給予重要的建議外，更重要是為日後公眾參與的實際操作提供了清晰藍本。長春社相信海濱事務委員會日後亦會不遺餘力，提升公眾對海濱發展的參與和使用，創造讓香港自豪的海濱。
Non-official Member (Organisation)
The Hong Kong Institute of Planners
Miss Sam LOK Hom-ning
Victoria Harbour holds a special place in my heart, as it has been a backdrop throughout my life, from childhood to my current role as a member of the Harbourfront Commission. As a citizen, I've come to realize that Victoria Harbour influences our lives in subtle yet profound ways, shaping our experiences without us even noticing.
Hung Hom Hutchison Park, a charming urban park next to the harbour, was my playground when I was a child. I cherished moments spent with my mum watching tortoises and goldfishes and moments fought to get on the swings with other playmates.
One of my fondest memories from my teenage years was attending the Annual Swimming Gala in one of the best viewing public swimming pools in the world. Though I wasn't a skilled swimmer, I passionately cheered for a classmate who consistently broke school records. The Tai Wan Shan Swimming Pool, situated alongside the Hunghom part of the harbour, provided me with a refreshing sea breeze while I supported my classmates.
During my university years as a town planning student, I began to understand the significance of Victoria Harbour to Hong Kong. The skyline of skyscrapers with majestic mountains at the back and the renowned Victoria Harbourfront in the front, defined Hong Kong as a unique global city.
The Central Harbourfront became a vibrant hub during the early stages of my career. I found myself immersed in exciting events like the Wine and Dine and other carnivals. These events are not just loved by the locals but also the tourists, fostering the vibrant exchange of the Asian and Western cultures, making Hong Kong a truly Asia’s World City.
Non-official Member (Organisation)
The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers
Ir Ringo YU Shek-man JP
Building a Harbourfront Experience:
Enhancing Public Access, Connectivity, and Leisure
The development of a vibrant harbourfront holds immense benefits for the general public, providing a space for leisure, recreation, and connection with nature. Through a combination of engineering expertise and thoughtful planning, we can safeguard and expand existing waterfront areas, transforming fragmented sections into a continuous corridor that delivers a top-notch experience for us all. This article discusses the significance of these considerations and how engineering can help revitalise the harbourfront and maximise its public enjoyment.
Preserving the Waterfront for Leisure Use: An Engineering Commitment
Preserving the waterfront as a recreational space requires a strong engineering commitment. Engineering plays a vital role in developing sustainable solutions to shield the shoreline against erosion, ensuring the long-term endurance of the waterfront. By employing innovative techniques in fields such as coastal engineering, we can create resilient structures that are able to withstand the forces of nature while providing public access and recreational opportunities. Furthermore, engineering expertise is instrumental in designing and constructing recreational amenities such as waterfront promenades and parks, enriching the general public’s overall experience.
Transforming Fragmented Sections into a Continuous Pathway:
Engineering Connectivity
Engineers play a crucial role in transforming fragmented sections of the waterfront into a continuous pathway. As engineers, we analyse the existing infrastructure, identify gaps, and design solutions to bridge those gaps seamlessly. This may involve the construction of bridges, boardwalks, or underpasses to ensure uninterrupted connectivity along the harbourfront. Through careful engineering, the public can traverse the waterfront with ease, enjoying a cohesive and immersive experience. The engineering touch ensures that accessibility is maximised, providing a pathway that is inclusive and accommodating to people of all abilities.
Continued Expansion of Waterfront Areas: Engineering and
Sustainable Development
The expansion of waterfront areas for public use requires a thoughtful and sustainable approach. Engineering expertise comes into play in the careful planning and development of new spaces. Engineers assess factors such as land reclamation needs, environmental impact, and infrastructure requirements to create additional areas for leisure and recreation. By incorporating sustainable design principles, such as green infrastructure and low-impact development techniques, engineers can strike a balance between preserving the natural beauty of the waterfront and creating inviting community spaces. This ensures that the expansion is not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible and resilient.
Building a vibrant harbourfront that enhances public access, connectivity, and leisure is a collaborative effort that involves both engineering expertise and a commitment to the community. Through preserving the waterfront for leisure use, transforming fragmented sections into a continuous pathway, and continuing careful expansion of waterfront areas, an exceptional experience is created for the entire community. Through the application of engineering principles, we can protect the shoreline, improve accessibility, and develop sustainable solutions that integrate seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Together, let us embrace engineering’s transformative power in building a harbourfront that celebrates the harmonious intersection of public enjoyment, nature, and community.
Non-official Member (Organisation)
The Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong
Mr Jeff TUNG
Experience Hong Kong’s Stellar Tsim Sha Tsui HarbourFront
When we decided to revitalize the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront (Avenue of Stars and Salisbury Garden), we knew we had a giant task upon us. We needed to re-create a world-class landmark that has to be modern, iconic, sustainable and accessible. Better yet, it would be one that is fit for international arts, cultural, tourism, leisure and sports events to inject vibrancy to our Victoria Harbour.
When Avenue of Stars was first opened in 2004, the vision was to create a public space for breezy walks along the harbourfront while enjoying Hong Kong’s stunning skyline and a space for everyone to appreciate Hong Kong’s decorated film industry. Thanks to its location and film-related content, it has been the most visited attraction in Hong Kong, welcoming millions of visitors annually. But the heavy foot traffic also exceeded its intended capacity, rendering it necessary for a much needed upgrade 12 years after opening.
Led by Dr. Adrian Cheng, CEO of New World Development, the task was to give the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade a complete overhaul and unveil the unrealized potential to the public. And in doing so, one of our visions is also to reconnect it with the surrounding developments and cultural venues, creating a coherent journey.
For the revitalization, we collaborated with James Corner of Fields Operation, a renowned landscape architect / planner famous for designing the High Line in New York. Rather than adding content to it, James amplified what was already there was already iconic – the view and vibrancy of the Victoria Harbour. So we focused on improving sustainability, connectivity, accessibility and designing better places to sit and linger for visitors to enjoy. We went through comprehensive stakeholders’ engagement processes and all the design proposals had received positive responses.
Reopened in January 2019, the Avenue of Stars has eight times more greenery, seven times more shading, and two times the seating capacity as before. All celebrity handprints have been redesigned and re-installed on the upcycle-timber handrails for better accessibility. We did not widen the physical dimensions of the promenade due to restrictions of the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance, but the new design creates more breathing space for the visitors, and greatly improves the visual and physical connections with the Victoria Harbour.
Keith Bradshaw of Speirs Major, the lighting architect that illuminated the Millennium Dome and St Paul’s Cathedral in London, created a layered ribbon edge of lights along the Avenue of Stars, making the promenade the longest lighting feature in Hong Kong to be featured in "A Symphony of Lights" , with the harbour delicately waves with the lapping of soft white light connecting with the movement and animation of the water during the show.
Both the Avenue of Stars and the Salisbury Garden have achieved SITES Gold certification. They have also received numerous international awards and have received positive comments from users at large on their user-friendly design, and the improved connectivity and enriched enjoyment of the waterfront. These achievements highlight the fact that the revitalized waterfront is a sustainable oasis for Hong Kong — one that is truly dedicated to the community, and they are the perfect open platform on which mega events can be held with our stunning Victoria Harbour as the backdrop.
