The West Kowloon Cultural District site is not suitable for a cruise terminal, Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Stephen Ip says.

He told legislators today there are technical constraints to the proposal as without substantial dredging, water depth in the Yau Ma Tei Fairway and the berthing area is insufficient for the manoeuvring and berthing of cruise ships.

The proposal would also affect vessels operating to and from a number of nearby marine facilities, including the China Ferry Terminal, Yau Ma Tei Anchorage and mooring buoys.

The vehicular transport system and ancillary facilities in West Kowloon would not be able to support the development of a cruise terminal in addition to the site's envisaged development.

Additional berth at Kai Tak

According to the Cruise Market Study for Hong Kong commissioned by the Tourism Board in 2002, and the latest consultancy study on market demand for cruise terminal facilities by the Tourism Commission, Hong Kong will require an additional berth to meet market needs in the medium term (2009-2015), and one to two additional berths in the long term.

Mr Ip said the Government intends to develop cruise terminal facilities at Kai Tak, and therefore incorporated such development in the Approved Kai Tak (South) Outline Zoning Plan.

"In view of the Court of Final Appeal's judgment on reclamation within the harbour, the Planning Department is now reviewing the development plans for the Kai Tak area. It is expected that the entire planning review process and the statutory procedures will be completed in 2008," he said.

Inviting proposals

To meet market needs for cruise terminal facilities in the medium term as soon as possible, Mr Ip said the Government considered last year inviting proposals from interested parties on cruise terminal development.

"The objective was to allow flexibility for the private sector to put forward proposals on the location, construction method and operation of the cruise terminal. The Government would then examine the feasibility of the proposals and consult the public," he said, hoping such an approach could speed up the development of new cruise terminal facilities to meet medium-term needs.

Whilst there was general support for the Government to accelerate the development of a new cruise terminal, Mr Ip said there were diverse views on the approach of open invitation for proposals.

In view of public concerns, he said the administration will secure a site in the Kai Tak Planning Review and accelerate the timetable, while inviting initial proposals from interested parties on the location, construction method and timetable for developing a cruise terminal to satisfy medium-term needs.

Public consultation

An interdepartmental committee will be set up to assess the proposals and ensure the project meets planning and environmental protection requirements.

Mr Ip pledged the public will be consulted after receiving the initial proposals and defining the location and development framework, adding that such an approach will enable the public to obtain more information and comment on the proposals.

In the long run, the Government has proposed the development of a cruise terminal in the Kai Tak Planning Review and the Planning Department is consulting the public on it.