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1.
Planners seek public opinion on TST
facelift
1. Planners seek public opinion on TST facelift
CHLOE
LAI, SCMP 13 November 2004
A
two-month public consultation on Tsim Sha Tsui was launched yesterday
in a government push to make walking a more enjoyable experience
in the busy district.
"Pedestrian
priority" will be the main focus, with the Planning Department
keen to explore ways of improving the comfort and safety of shoppers,
diners and sightseers.
One
of the potential options is to turn the section of Nathan Road between
Chungking Mansions and the Kowloon Mosque into a pedestrian zone.
Planning
officials also envisioned turning the future Nathan Road pedestrian
zone into a thematic square. But they said it needed to have public
support and was a long-term plan.
Chief
Town Planner Raymond Wong Wai-man said Nathan Road could possibly
spare room for pedestrians. "We expect most of the visitors
going to TST will use public transport as the road network of TST
East improves [because of the KCR extension]," he said.
The
consultation also recommends improvements in Hart Avenue, Granville
Road and the area outside the MTR station entrance in Haiphong Road.
Mr
Wong said that if there were no major public objection, the government
would start the three priority projects as soon as possible.
"We
believe it will not be too expensive to carry out enhancement works
in these areas and they won't create too much trouble. So they are
on our priority list," he said.
Under
the plan, there will be a part-time pedestrian zone in the eastern
section of Hart Avenue.
The
government wants to beautify the area outside the MTR station in
Haiphong Road and to widen the footpath of Granville Road.
As
well as the three priority schemes, the department suggests turning
Humphreys Avenue into a full-time pedestrian area. Hau Fook Street,
Cameron Road, Minden Avenue and a section of Peking Road would be
part-time pedestrian zones.
The
department also seeks public opinion on whether and how to involve
the private sector.
The
Architectural Services Department is planning improvements to the
TST waterfront.
An
exhibition and an outdoor forum will take place near Star Ferry
pier on December 11.
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