Proposed Tram & Pedestrian Precinct in Des Voeux Road Central

Summary Report April 2014

Leading Organizations: Collaborative Organizations: Funding Provided by:

建議德輔道中行人及電車專用區

總結報告

The Hong Kong Institute of Planners

Over the past year, we are grateful for the help of many individuals and organiztions who have contributed to the fruition of this project and in bringing us closer to our dream of a walkable Hong Kong city centre.

We would like to sincerely thank the WYNG Foundation and ADM Capital Foundation for their generous funding to support the technical assessments of this proposal. The technical assessments significantly reinforced the merits of this proposal.

We would like to thank the volunteers of the Hong Kong Institute of Planners members who have contributed their time and insights to this project, including: Dr. Peter Cookson Smith, Mr. Ian Brownlee, and Ms. Yuen Yee Pong. We also would like to thank the HKIP Young Planners Group Committee, who devoted their time, design and graphic skills to creating outstanding urban design proposals. This includes: Mr. AJ Yum Chan, Mr. Benson Poon, Ms. Caroline Chan, Mr. Edwin Tang, Ms. Kate Kwok, Mr. Mathew Fung, Mr. Chi Keong Fung, and Ms. Stephanie Chan.

We would like to sincerely thank Civic Exchange for volunteering their time, support, office space and valuable advice to this project. Their team includes: Ms. Yan-yan Yip, Mr. Simon Ng, Ms. Iris Chan, Mr. Keith Chan, Ms. Olivia Chen, Ms. Caroline Cottet, Mr. James Cunningham, Mr. Martin Lai, Mr. Curtis Mak, Mr. Joe Pang, and Dr. Hilings Yip.

We would like to sincerely thank the volunteers of the School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong research team, who helped conduct the air quality assessments, including: Dr. Zhi Ning, Mr. Ka Lok Chan, Dr. Nirmal Kumar Gali, Mr. Yang Hong, Miss Sabrina Yanan Jiang, Ms. Flora Chui Fong Lau, Mr. Wubulihairen Maimaitireyimu, Ms. Agata Rakowska, Mr. Li Sun, Miss Viki Wai Ting Tong, Dr. Thomas Townsend, Dr. Dane Westerdahl, Mr. Ka Chun Wong, and Mr. Fenhuan Yang.

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Acknowledgements

Contents

Chinese Summary Report 總結報告(中文版)

1 Introduction2 The Problems3 The Opportunities4 Air Quality5 Transport and Traffic6 Urban Design7 The Total Picture8 Implementation9 Conclusion

Separate Appendices BookletAppendix 1: Air QualityAppendix 2: Traffic ReviewAppendix 3: Urban Design Proposal

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總結報告(中文版)德輔道中行人及電車專用區建議

1. 背景1.1 香港規劃師學會聯同香港地下鐵路公司，由 MVA 提供交通技術支援，於2000 年向政府建議，將德輔道中劃為行人及電車專用區。該建議雖然可行，但未有實行。

1.2 鑑於中環的空氣污染一直未有改善，而不久將來多項鐵路及公路陸續完工，為中環提供了一個改善環境的機會。學會遂於2013年初，與環境局聯絡，重提建議。此報告根據最新的政府及其他的基建項目，更新有關的資料及數字，並由城市大學提供空氣污染研究，與及MVA的交通研究、思匯政策研究所的支援及 WYNG Foundation 及 ADM Capital Foundation 提供的資助下，對畢打街至摩利臣街的一段德輔道中以及鄰近範圍

進行研究。

2. 研究區的問題及機遇2.1 研究區雖然是香港的核心金融及商業中心，但一直都是空氣污染最嚴重的地區之一，加上交通擠塞，缺乏綠化及行人設施等，令到這商業中心的形象受損。

2.2 另一方面，中環灣仔繞道、地鐵港島西線及南線分別於未來兩至三年完工。這些項目將可為巴士及其他車輛的路線重組提供機遇，釋出空間並保留德輔道中作電車及行人之用，以改

善該區的空氣質素與環境。

3. 空氣質素3.1 城市大學對該區進行了空氣污染研究，並與 MVA 的交通數字作比較，以找出問題的徵結。

3.2 數字顯示，區內整體上的空氣污染嚴重，而德輔道中的空氣污染比起干諾道中及皇后大道中更為嚴重。雖然干諾道中的交通流量遠比德輔道中為大，但由於干諾道中的風速遠較德輔道中及皇后大道中為高，加上前者路面遠比後兩者寬闊，以及德輔道中及皇后大道中兩傍高樓林立，密不通風，因而産生了峽谷效應，令污染物難以散去。

3.3 此外，將週末與平常日的空氣污染與交通車輛組合的數字作出比對後，發現污染的源頭主要來自柴油巴士及柴油商業車輛。鑑於德輔道中的峽谷形態，除了將車流轉移到干諾道中以減輕空氣污染的問題外，應該沒有其他途徑

可有效地改善德輔道中的空氣質素。

4. 交通研究4.1 研究顯示，德輔道中沿路沒有直接的車輛出入口。西行的交通以巴士及電車為主，私家車輛及運輸車輛較少；東行的交通，私家車及運輸車輛的流量頗高。此外，嚴重

的問題亦包括交通擁塞及人車爭路等。

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4.2 建議的行人及電車專用區，可分期進行。先導計劃範圍涵蓋摩利臣街至永和/林士街的一段德輔道中：西行線將摩利臣街至禧利街的路段轉為電車專用區，而禧利街至永和街的一段則只供電車及巴士之用；東行線由摩利臣街至急庇利街的路段轉為電車專用區，而急庇利街至林士街的一段則只供電車及巴士之用。現有的東行巴士路線大致上不受影響。先導計劃可以即時推行，期間亦可以同時進行改善行人設施的工程。

4.3 待2017年中環-灣仔繞道工程完成後，一些駛經中環的交通可以轉用繞道，屆時德輔道中及干諾道中的交通流量將會下降。以下的建議便可以推行：在部份的干諾道中設立東行巴士專線、巴士轉乘、將電車專用區伸延至畢打街、綠化電

車軌以及改善街道環境等。

5. 景觀設計5.1 研究區內的兩旁被高樓所包圍，路面排放的污染物不能散去，沿路景靚乏善足陳；加上擠迫的行人路、整段路缺乏樹木，夏天行人需要在烈日下，忍受炎熱的氣溫，在污染的路旁活動。如現時的空氣質素、道路環境和行人配套不能得以改善，行人健康受影響，確是一個不宜久留的地方。

5.2 藉著這個改善空氣質素的機會，沿路的環境亦可作出相應的改善措施，提升形象。區內大致上可以分為三個特色小區：畢打街一帶為核心商業區、串連海傍購物區及南面蘇豪區的城中綠洲（前中環街市）為區內著名歷史建築物、西港

城一帶則為較具傳統特色的行業。

5.3 建議故此包括運用富地區特色的綠化及景觀設計，將不同的活動點連結起來，締造更有生氣的街道環境，為這個商業中心注入生機及清新空氣，亦為市民提供優質的活動空間。這些建議，可透過政府及小型工程項目進行。香港電車有限公司亦

表示支持有關綠化電車軌道的建議，並會負責執行。

6. 總結6.1 建議的願景是為改善香港的核心商業區-中環的環境。德輔道中的空氣污染問題，嚴重影響健康，由於峽谷效應，令污染物難以散去。建議希望透過交通措施與改道，解決空氣污染的源頭，保障市民健康。再利用區內不同的特色，以綠化及景觀設計方案，提供高質素的公共空間，改善區內的街道環境，令中環與其金融及商業中心的形象相符，而不是長期高佔最嚴重空氣污染的榜首地區。

6.2 為了確定建議能有效實行，建議採取有系統的分階段實施策略，讓交通網絡能有效地應付改變的流量，以達到逐步改善的目標。

6.3 計劃的落實，對營商環境和社會上下、不同人仕均有裨益。但能否實行，有賴政府的全力支持及公眾的參與，所以建議必需建立有系統的公眾諮詢程序。希望這計劃最終也能與海外的成功例子一般，在得到大眾支持下成功實行。

(有關建議的詳細資料，可上 www.hkip.org.hk 閱讀)

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IntroductionIn 2000 the Hong Kong Institute of Planners (HKIP), in collaboration with the MTRC and with technical assistance from MVA Hong Kong Limited (MVA), put forward a proposal for converting Des Voeux Road Central (DVRC) into a tram and pedestrian precinct. The proposal was accepted as technically feasible, but not implemented by Government. (Figure 1)

In early 2013, HKIP approached the Environment Bureau to see if the proposal could be revisited, as Central remained one of the areas of worst air pollution in Hong Kong. The completion of major highway and railway infrastructure between now and 2021 made a reassessment timely, as opportunities were going to arise which would enable significant improvements to be made to Central District.

This study therefore re-visited the 2000 proposals and expanded them to look at air quality and both existing and planned transport and traffic issues. The scope of our current study looks at the section of DVRC between Morrison St. and Pedder St. (Figure 2) Detailed assessments and proposals have been prepared by City University on air quality, MVA on traffic and transport, and HKIP on urban-

Figure 1: A drawing of the 2003 proposal vision

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design enhancements, with the support from Civic Exchange and generous funding of the WYNG Foundation Limited and ADM Capital Foundation. The detailed assessments are included as Appendices 1, 2 and 3, respectively, to this Summary Report.

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The study concludes that in the next few years there is a unique opportunity arising from the massive current public investment in transport infrastructure to significantly improve Central and to make it a high quality environment in terms of air quality, accessibility, and transportation. The proposed scheme would enable a high quality, pedestrian-friendly, and ‘greener’ Central, and provide a better place in which to work and do business.

Figure 2: The Study Area

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(Above) Photos showing examples of some of the problems.

The main problems identified are as follows:

• The roadside air quality monitoring station for Central has consistently recorded high levels of pollution mainly arising from vehicles. Mobile air quality monitoring in the study area has shown that this problem is widespread; and a reduction in vehicle numbers is necessary.

• Traffic congestion is creating delays to all forms of public transport other than the MTR, and this needs to be addressed to improve accessibility to the Central Business District. Traffic that flows through DVRC needs to be reduced and many of the buses using this road need to be diverted.

• There is not one tree in DVRC and not enough greening, contributing to a hot and suffocating urban environment.

• Tall buildings with continuous facades lining both sides of the road forming a canyon-effect that traps pollutants and limits sunlight.

• It is crowded and unpleasant to walk along the generally narrow and unsheltered pedestrian walkways.

• Street furniture and pavements do not have a consistent design theme.Seats are not available, which make it unwelcoming and disconnected.

• Aside from a few planters on railings, no landscape greening is provided along DVRC.

• There is an absence of universal access for the elderly and disabled.

• There is inadequate space for pedestrians and servicing activities, creating congestions in the narrow footpaths and forcing people onto the road carriageways.

• A lot of dangerous jay-walking occur at junctions.

• There is little street furniture and landscaping.

• There is no overall character or an identity that reflect this part of the city as a major international financial business district. This does not reflect Hong Kong’s self-proclaimed image as “Asia’s World City”.

2.1

The Problems2

Figure 3: Scope of air quality measurements

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A number of factors present potential opportunities to address the prevailing problems:

• The Central-Wanchai Bypass (CWB) and Lung Wo Road past Tamar, will relieve traffic from the existing road system allowing changes in function to the existing streets.

• Part of the existing ramp from the elevated road to Connaught Road Central (CRC) next to the Harbour Building, will be demolished as part of the CWB project, providing space which could be used as a bus priority route and for better public transport interchange facilities.

• For the MTR, the West Island Line (WIL) will be operating by 2014 and the South Island Line (SIL) by 2015 providing improved railway access. As a result, bus routes will be reorganized to integrate with the new railways.

• Traffic from DVRC can be diverted to CRC and bus services enhanced.

• Main traffic in DVRC could be just trams and some bus routes.

• The air quality would be improved by diverting the polluting traffic including buses.

• Street space in DVRC can be pedestrianized and landscaped with improved urban design elements.

A road-side and street-level air quality assessment was carried out by the CityU team, then real-time traffic data (provided by MVA) was linked with the air quality data and it clearly revealed the sources of air quality problems in the area (Appendix 1). Total of four sampling days were investigated with three weekdays of 31 July, 3 August and 27 October and a proceeding Sunday of 28 October, 2013. The choice of three weekdays with a long time span intends to investigate the repeatability of observations, and the weekend day was included to show the contrast of traffic composition.

The Opportunities Air Quality3 43.1

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For each sampling day, three identical time periods were selected for investigation covering morning rush hours, noon, and evening rush hours. Nine traffic counting points for traffic volume and composition, and two sampling routes for on-road and roadside measurements of air pollutants were performed concurrently and repeatedly. (Figure 3)

Figure 4: Surface wind speed with highest for CRC and lowest for QRC due to difference in streets openness

• Wind speed data along the streets showed highest velocity for CRC, then decreases significantly while moving inland to DVRC and Queens Road Central. This was in part due to the urban geography and street layout of the three roads, where a canyon effect can be seen in DVRC and QRC (Figure 4).

• Air quality measurements confirmed that poor air quality is widespread throughout the area. Although CRC has 10 times more traffic than DVRC and QRC, the worst air quality persists in DVRC due to strong street canyon effects in DVRC. (Figure 5)

• It was determined through comparing the traffic composition of weekday and weekend measurements that significant air pollution came from diesel commercial vehicles and the diesel franchised bus fleet.

• Diverting buses from DVRC to CRC will result in significant improvement of air quality in DVRC, where there would be no significant impact on air quality along CRC.

• The existing urban design of DVRC street forms canyon effect by dense and high rise buildings which means that significant improvement of air quality can only be made by removal of diesel fleets from the street.

Figure 5: Comparison of traffic counts and pollutant measurements, where DVRC has highest pollutant records while CRC has highest traffic volume

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The vision behind the scheme is to create a dramatically improved street environment in DVRC, where pedestrians and street activities have priority, and the physical (air quality, noise levels and safety) environment will meet the highest standards and improve the overall quality of environment in Central over the coming years. At the same time, accessibility to public transport will be promoted by improved pedestrian networks, new public transport priorities and the necessary servicing and traffic access provided as to maximise area for pedestrian circulation and landscaped, as well as minimise traffic and air pollution for roadside area with air quality issue.

To achieve this goal, the following ideas were investigated:

• Divert through traffic from DVRC to Connaught Road Central and CWB, and give priority to pedestrians and essential access traffic only;• Convert DVRC to a traffic free pedestrian and tramway precinct in the long term;• Promote integration of the rail and road-based public transport through the development of strategic interchanges, service coordination and enhancement of the pedestrian network; and• Ensure bus service performance by exploring possibility to provide bus priority on Connaught Road Central.

Figure 6b: Future highway network

Figure 6a: Future railway network

Today a number of major infrastructure schemes are under implementation and now provide a golden opportunity to comprehensively review the allocation of street space to revitalise and enhance the built, living and walking environment in the CBD. (Figure 6a and 6b)

Transport and Traffic55.1

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Figure 7: Existing Traffic constraints and opportunities

With the review of the existing conditions along DVRC, the following constraints and opportunities were identified. (Figure 7)

• No vehicular access is provided at DVRC;• Non-stopping Clearway Restrictions (NSR) are implemented along DVRC and servicing activities are mainly restricted to nightime;• Traffic volume for private and goods vehicles travelling along in westbound carriageway of DVRC is light, as the section of westbound carriageway of DVRC between Pedder Street and Jubilee Street is already a tram and bus only corridor;

• Traffic volume for private and goods vehicles travelling in the eastbound direction is generally higher than the westbound direction as the eastbound direction of DVRC presently provides an important eastbound route for development traffic in the locality; and• Geographically, DVRC forms the main spine of the CBD and is the key development corridor with office and commercial developments along its whole length. Footpaths on both sides are in general approximately 3 meters wide. Serious congestion frequently occur at junctions when large crowds of pedestrian waiting to cross at a constrained space. It is very common to observe jay-walking and pedestrians over-spilling onto carriageway during peak periods on weekdays.

8Figure 8: Initial DVRC scheme

The Initial Stage at the western and eastern section of DVRC can go ahead in the short term independently and its impact will become even less apparent as the WIL and then other infrastructure schemes are completed.

Based on the above, the western section of DVRC between Wing Wo Street and Morrison Street was identified to have the lowest traffic volume for both buses, private and goods vehicles among the other sections. Hence, it is envisaged that the conversion of this western section to pedestrian/ tram precinct would have the least traffic impact to the surroundings as compared with other sections, and can be implemented in the short term.

In the initial stage (Figure 8), it is proposed to convert the section of westbound carriageway between Morrison Street and Hillier Street to tram only and the section between Hillier Street and Wing Wo Street to bus and tram only as to minimise re-routing of the existing bus services. In the eastbound direction, it is proposed to convert the section between Morrison Street and Cleverly Street to tram only and the section between Cleverly Street and Rumsey Street to bus and tram only. With this proposed arrangement, the existing bus routes travelling along DVRC in the eastbound direction would not be affected. For the rest of eastern section, it could be improved via various measures such as simplifying the method of control, providing built-out at some crossing points etc. With this proposed arrangement, the existing bus routes travelling along DVRC in the eastbound direction would not be affected.

With the proposed conversion, this could reduce traffic volume and hence improving air quality and minimise conflict between vehicular traffic and pedestrians. Also, footpaths along DVRC could be generally widened from about 3 metres to about 7- 8.5 meters, which offers great potential for increasing space for pedestrian circulation and landscaping amenities.

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5.8Initial Scheme

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Figure 9: Potential bus priority and traffic management improvement related to opening of CWB

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Further development beyond the initial scheme could follow with the opening of the CWB in 2017. This could include:-

• Further strengthening of bus corridor on CRC and pedestrian priority areas on DVRC. These include a bus priority corridor along the eastbound carriageway of Connaught Road Central by making use of a section of the existing eastbound elevated road of Connaught Road between Man Kwong Street and Man Chiu Street which will be removed and converted to planters under the gazette plan after the opening of CWB, a Bus-to-Bus Interchange (BBI), and a diversion of bus routes from DVRC to CRC together with rationalisation taking into account, the availability of the BBI. (Figure 9)

• The existing bus terminus located adjacent to the Harbour Building could be converted to a BBI to reduce long haul bus services and rationalise existing bus services. (Figure 10) For example, long haul cross harbour bus services from WHC could interchange with island bus routes or other mode of public transports such as MTR and tram at the interchange to reduce bus volumes and consequently improve traffic condition and bus services.

• After gradual diversion and rationalisation of bus routes from DVRC, the traffic volume along DVRC would be greatly reduced. By 2020 when SCL is opened and East Rail terminating on Hong Kong Island, there exists further potential to rationalise cross harbour bus routes thereby further reducing bus volume through the CBD. Together with diversion of general traffic from DVRC to the wider street system, the ultimate plan of converting the whole section of DVRC to a tram and pedestrian precinct would be tenable. (Figure 11)

Figure 10: Conceptual Plan for Public Transport Interchange at Connaught Road Central

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5.10 The Ultimate Plan is more far reaching and requires more extensive traffic rerouting and management changes and a comprehensive review of the bus network in Central District. This should commence when CWB is completed and condition can be reached when SCL is completed by 2020 when there is scope to rationalise cross harbour buses.

Further Evolution

11Figure 11: Further evolution of DVRC schemeFigure 10: Conceptual Plan for Public Transport Interchange at Connaught Road Central

5.11 It is critical that the new CWB is not simply taken up by traffic growth in time. It should be treated as an opportunity to reallocate road space for revitalisng the streets and environment of Central as part of a pedestrian and public transport strategy.

It is critical to have a balanced and comprehensive plan for the CBD in order to capture the opportunities brought about by the new infrastructures. In summary:

• DVRC can become a pedestrian and tram precinct with minimum level of other road traffic; while • CRC can be the primary bus corridor and traffic distributor; and • CWB can function as a bypass for strategic traffic, and entry/exit to Central.

12Figure 12: Relation of DVRC to Main Activity Nodes.

An overriding objective of the urban design proposal is the provision of a more connective structure within the wider CBD and along DVRC. This includes (Figure 12):

• The mix of luxury brand shopping nodes at Pedder Street, IFC and the Landmark and hawker shopping streets (e.g. Lei Yuen Street East and West).

• The future “Central Oasis” which will continue to form an elevated connection between the mid-levels escalator to the Soho area and the waterfront.

• At the Sheung Wan end, the commercial shopping node with local businesses of dried seafood shops, restaurants, fruit stalls, stationary shops, household item shops, and small shopping stores like Infinitus Plaza, Cosco Tower and Wing On Centre, etc.

• The matrix of commercial businesses, like dried goods shops, restaurants and department stores that are related to the historic Western Market in the Sheung Wan area.

Urban Design6 The Young Planners Group Committee of the Hong Kong Institute of Planners, with the guidance of senior members of the Institute, undertook an urban design study to propose and illustrate potential improvements to the urban environment in DVRC for the enjoyment of pedestrians and visitors. The team has also looked at applicable overseas case studies on which to base successful urban design features. (Appendix 3)

6.1

• A grassed “carpet” running along the tramway on DVRC, would accentuate the pedestrian setting, create a unique sense of place, and contribute to better air quality and environmental friendliness. This grassed tramway would create a visual and physical continuity along the entire length of DVRC. (Figure 13)

• Extensive planting of trees and other landscaping features to reduce heat and soften the built environment. 13

• The overall urban design concept is to provide for a comfortable shopping and leisure destination where residents and office workers can enjoy a relaxing but stimulating urban experience at street level, in the heart of the CBD, in contrast to other traffic congested streets. We are confident that this would also be a positive thing for Hong Kong’s international image.

• The study would build on three existing activity nodes along DVRC enabling a new place making approach. At the eastern end would be the Financial Market, a place that would reflect the financial and business sector. The Central Market at the mid-portion would be anchored by the Central Oasis, a commercial hub with performances and exhibitions, and a gateway to the attractions on Central Mid-levels escalators. At the western end would be the Western Market, a heritage building containing small shops and businesses. (Figure 13)

• Sitting out and resting spaces have been designed for both passive and active uses to reflect the urban character at these nodes.

Figure 13: Overall Layout Plan and Activity Nodes

Urban Design ProposalThe Western Market

TheCentralMarket

TheFinancialMarket

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• Within passive open spaces, special design and color schemes are proposed for the street furniture, pavement and other features, echoing the surrounding modern buildings.

• Visual design elements with simple geometry, such as linear seating to provide relief from constant activities of the street.

• Outdoor high-tech LED display panels and signage to reflect the modern CBD character.

• An extension of landscape, paving and signage to the adjoining hawker lanes of Lei Yuen Street East and Chiu Lung Street.

Before, Photomontage 1: Looking towards Sheung Wan from Pedder St. junction.

6.3

The Financial Market

15After, Photomontage 1: Looking towards Sheung Wan from Pedder St. junction

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Before, Photomontage 2: Looking towards Central from Jubilee St.

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After, Photomontage 2: Looking towards Central from Jubilee St.

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•This mid-section of DVRC sits within the financial district and focuses on an open space between the Hang Seng Bank Headquarters and the Central Oasis (formerly the Central Market) building.

• The urban design proposal for this area is for an exhibition, performance and seating area consistent with the revitalization plan for the Central Oasis. This would spatially extend the indoor spaces to outdoor features, creating an interesting and active interface. The public would be able to view the area from the two existing elevated walkways.

• It is intended that the design and landscape character should gradually change from east to west, with gradation in forms of urban texture, planting, and color themes.

Before, Photomontage 3: Looking towards Central from Jubilee St.

6.4The Central Market

19After, Photomontage 3: Space on DVRC between Central Oasis and Hang Seng Bank Headquarters.

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• The Sheung Wan area represents in part a local street culture of small businesses. The major landmark in the area is the Western Market building. • At this end, it is proposed to have paving patterns and street furniture shapes with a warm color, having a wavy and curvy design to create a casual walking ambience. This would act to make the Western Market building more accessible to the public.

6.5The Western Market

• A new public piazza and potential performance area is proposed, where temporary closures of the New Market Street would allow space for temporary movable plantings and street furniture, and passive areas for pedestrians to sit and enjoy the environment.

• Space for alfresco dining for the restaurants would be provided alongside DVRC, activated by movable planters, and street furniture to provide a convenient and comfortable environment for users.

Before, Photomontage 4: Existing context at Western Market.

21After, Photomontage 4: Proposal at Western Market.

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Before, Photomontage 5: Existing context looking towards Western Market at Hillier Street.

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After, Photomontage 5: Proposal looking towards Western Market at Hillier Street.

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The vision behind the DVRC proposal is to create a dramatically improved street corridor environment for the local community and visitors in the heart of the CBD, and to create a new and revitalized identity for Central. At the same time, accessibility to public transport will be promoted by improved pedestrian networks and traffic facilities.

The environmental and health benefits arising from removal of vehicles from the streets is an important gain that has been documented in this study. It is imperative that opportunities presented for improving air quality through the opening of new major transport infrastructure should be exploited in full.

The proposal relates to landscape and urban design improvements which will revitalize the whole of the entire CBD and improve the external environment of Central to match the high internal design quality of the new office buildings. The quality of the public realm needs to be commensurate with Hong Kong’s importance as a world economic centre, and to help achieve the goal of being Asia’s World city.

Similar proposals have been carried out successfully in many major cities throughout the world, where tram and bus priority areas have helped to revitalize city centers. While there may be initial resistance to such changes, they are eventually shown to be good for business and good for social interaction.

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The Total Picture7There are many real benefits that can arise from this scheme. However, it is critical that the additional capacity that will be provided with the opening of the Central-Wanchai Bypass not simply be taken up by traffic growth, and that the opportunities for revitalizing the streets of Central are not missed. The present study provides a strategy to systematically improve the urban environment, public transport and pedestrian comfort and circulation.

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Implementation will be dependent on Government accepting the proposal. The time frame itself relates to the impending completion of the major road and railway infrastructure.

All of the land involved is government land and most of it is currently used as roads, footpaths or transport facilities. The proposed changes are relatively small in terms of cost and scale and some could be carried out under normal Highways Department maintenance contracts. Others may require small contracts to carry out significant footpath widening and landscaping. Hong Kong Tramways Limited have indicated that they support the proposed grass tram track and could help implement it.

The proposed scheme would be implemented in two stages. The Initial Stage could, in theory, go ahead immediately and would benefit further as the West Island Line and then other transport and infrastructure schemes are completed. The detailed assessment of the Initial Stage confirms that it is feasible in traffic and transport terms and will bring substantial benefits to pedestrians and travelers.

Public support for the proposal will be important and it is one of the recommendations of the study that a systematic public engagement process be undertaken.

Air pollution along the DVRC needs to be addressed urgently. With this proposal the major pollution sources in DVRC, i.e. the buses and diesel commercial vehicles, will be removed, leaving the space to trams and pedestrians. This will help achieve the air quality objectives for the CBD, creating a higher overall quality of environment.

The urban design schemes would provide landscape greening, link together activity nodes, and bring vibrancy to DVRC with the potential for street level events, activities, and new amenities for pedestrians. These improvements would create an overall pedestrian-friendly environment in the city centre.

Implementing the proposal will ultimately require full Government support. Positive public engagement will be an important factor in determining public support and achieving a successful outcome.

(For more information, please visit our website: www.hkip.org.hk)

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Implementation Conclusion8 9