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Development of a Piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui
Background
The Government proposes to develop the existing public transport interchange (PTI) adjacent to the Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) Star Ferry Pier into a piazza, with the objective of providing an open leisure space for enjoyment by both locals and visitors. To complement the piazza project, we plan to construct a turnaround at Salisbury Road outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, which would enable the majority of bus routes currently using the TST Pier bus terminus to continue to call at the Star Ferry Pier in future. Since 2007, we have conducted a series of public engagement exercises on the project, and have arranged for gazettal of the works for the planned turnaround in 2009 and 2010 respectively.
Proposed revised approach for the TST Piazza Project
Having regard to the public views collected during the gazette period, we decided to revisit the way forward for the piazza project. We propose to adopt a new design concept which will integrate the piazza with the revitalization of the Star Ferry Pier, with an aim to developing the vicinity into a tourism node and creating a new landmark there. Specifically, in response to the suggestion of the Yau Tsim Mong District Council's (YTMDC) Traffic and Transport Committee (TTC), we propose to expand the turnaround being planned to become a new PTI, so that all 15 bus routes currently using the TST pier bus terminus could continue to call at the Star Ferry Pier in future (including retaining the 11 bus routes now terminating at the Star Ferry Pier). This arrangement would facilitate passengers in using bus service and interchanging with Star Ferry. The new transport interchange would occupy an area of about 3,700 square metres, and would provide necessary bus stops and terminus for the original 15 bus routes, a taxi stand which could accommodate 16 queuing taxis and a taxi unloading bay. The existing pedestrian crossing facility running from Star House to HKCC would be retained, but its location would be slightly adjusted to cater for the design of the new turnaround. The proposal would not only preserve the function of the area as a PTI, but also improve the pedestrian environment outside the pier.
Since there is a need to expand the area of the new transport interchange, the area of the piazza has to be reduced accordingly by 40%. To cope with this change, in planning the development of the future tourism node, we would showcase the area's history as a PTI so that both the public and visitors can reminiscent about the history of this vicinity. We are actively exploring displaying a decommissioned train compartment and an antique bus, as well as other artifacts related to the history of Star Ferry Pier at the future tourism node.
We consulted YTMDC on the new design concept, and the TTCs of the Kowloon City, Wong Tai Sin, Shamshuipo and Kwun Tong District Councils on the bus service arrangements under the proposal, and have obtained their support. Works for the expansion of the turnaround were gazetted on 9 September 2011.
Way Forward
We plan to draw up a more concrete design for the tourism node, and will further consult relevant organizations and stakeholders on the design when ready.
Relevant Documents
Paper for the meeting of the Yau Tsim Mong District Council on 23 June 2011
Paper for the meeting of the Harbourfront Commission Task Force on Harbourfront Developments in Kowloon, Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing on 27 July 2011 (Updated)
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