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1. Tender plan for Kai Tak under fire

1. Tender plan for Kai Tak under fire
Leslie Kwoh, The Standard 9 November 2006

The government's proposal to grant a 50-year contract for the new cruise terminal at Kai Tak encountered its first stumbling block Wednesday when an advisory body criticized officials for jeopardizing public interest by giving "free rein" to the successful bidder.

Members of the Harbour-front Enhancement Committee questioned the administration's logic behind granting unchecked "flexibility" to the developer of the 7.6-hectare site, pointing out the contract's long duration, coupled with a lack of conditions or supervision, could result in yet another mega-commercial complex.

"How will you ensure that the bidder exercises sustainable development? How will you ensure that quality of the site is on par with a waterfront promenade fit for public use, and not just cruise passengers?" asked the Conservancy Association's Alvin Kwok Ngai- kuen. "We need to know you will set criteria and incorporate planning principles into the contract."

The government has recently been eager to accelerate the HK$2.4 billion project in light of the rapidly growing cruise market, citing similar structures going up in Shanghai and Singapore . Officials have set a 2012 deadline for the first of the three cruise berths.

But Kwok's concerns Wednesday were echoed by several other members who feared rushing the project would compromise one of the last pieces of prime waterfront land.

Institute of Architects vice president Vincent Ng Wing-shun wanted to know how the government came to the decision to allow the developer a gross floor area of 50,000 square meters for the terminal and accompanying retail facilities. "Will it be just hotels and malls, or will you require the bidder to submit a proposal? Our concern is that you don't seem to have a concept plan at this stage, and that town planning concepts won't be incorporated into the planning," he said.

Tourism Commission officials said the proposed gross floor area was decided after consultation with the cruise industry and consultants on what was "necessary" in terms of space.

Commercial facilities at similar sites like the existing Ocean Terminal and China Ferry Terminal measure about 40,000 sqm, the officials added.

While admitting she envisioned much of the site would be used to develop shopping facilities, offices and hotels, Commissioner for Tourism Au King-chi reassured the resulting development will be one that adds "vibrancy" and "attracts people." A pre- tender consultation with "all stakeholders," set to begin early next year, will determine what conditions to include in the tender document, she said.

As for the remainder of the 328-hectare site, members said they were concerned it would remain incomplete in the government's rush to finish building the first cruise terminal berth.

The Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong, meanwhile, has expressed objections to the location.

In a submission to the Legislative Council's planning, lands and works panel, the association said the economic case for a cruise terminal is not proven. "We have serious reservations on Kai Tak as the most suitable location for a cruise terminal as it is remote and distant from other tourism nodes."

The association also said its preference is to locate the cruise terminal at either West Kowloon or Hung Hom using existing seawall facilities or to focus on upgrading existing facilities at Ocean Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui.

The government expects to invite tenders for the terminal by the fourth quarter of next year, with the aim of awarding the tender in early 2008.