Compelling: The Central reclamation review has confirmed that the project has met the three tests laid down by the High Court.

A review on phase three of the Central reclamation based on the three tests laid down by the High Court has been completed.

It concluded that the works are compelling, with no viable alternative and have minimum impairment to the harbour.

Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands Michael Suen said to address public concern on harbour reclamation, the Government will consider measures to confine the use of reclaimed land during the town planning process.

Guidelines on planning and reclamation works will be drawn up for the Territory Development, Civil Engineering and Planning Departments.

Mr Suen said harbour reclamation works will not resume until all existing legal proceedings are completed.

For a summary of the review's main findings, click here.

The findings have been endorsed by the Polytechnic University's Head of Civil & Structural Engineering Professor YS Li who is also the Chair Professor of its Coastal & Environmental Engineering section.

Professor Li said the analysis as presented in the review has convincingly demonstrated that the Central reclamation can comply with the three tests laid down by the court.

He also confirmed the works are a necessary continuation of the early and completed phases of the Central and Wan Chai reclamation projects.

Apart from the proposed construction of the key infrastructure in Central, such as the Central-Wan Chai Bypass, Airport Railway extended overrun tunnel and Road P2 network, the reclamation can enhance the tidal flow and water quality in Victoria Harbour by eliminating a zone of stagnant water.

The full report has been uploaded onto the Central reclamation website.