Views are being sought on the three draft concept plans developed for the Kai Tak Planning Review. The Planning Department says the first public forum will be held at the tip of the old airport runway on November 19.

In view of the Court of Final Appeal's judgment handed down in January, 2004, a "no reclamation" scenario has been adopted as the starting point in preparing the development concepts for Kai Tak.

The three outline concept plans are prepared with different land uses emphasis to provide a balanced variety of development scenarios for discussion in the community, the department said. 

Concept details

The City in the Park concept aims to create two distinct residential neighbourhoods, with a high-density residential/stadium district in the North Apron Area and medium density residential developments on the runway island.

This residential focused scenario is expected to house an overall population of 128,000 and a planned employment of 32,000.

The Kai Tak Glamour concept aims to regenerate the economic role of the ex-airport site by providing a high density office node adjoining the multi-purpose stadium in the North Apron Area, to medium density residential development on the runway island and to a cruise terminal and tourism node at the runway end.

The office and tourism focused scenario will provide an overall office gross floor area of about 781,000 square metres with a less population level of 97,000. The employment level in this concept is 75,000, which is the highest among the three concepts.

The Sports by the Harbour concept aims to promote a sports and recreation hub in this part of the Metro Area, with low to medium density residential neighbourhoods created around recreation facilities to reinforce a green and lively urban district. A lower population level of 69,000 and employment level of 56,000 is planned for under this plan.

Consultation starts

The draft outline concept plans are not development options to choose from, but to provide a basis for public discussion on possible development proposals on the Kai Tak site, the department said.

In the coming two months, at least seven public forums will be organised to discuss the draft development concepts and issues of community concerns. There will also be topical public forums to focus discussion on key issues, such as the Kai Tak Approach Channel, the cruise terminal and multi-purpose stadium proposals.

The department will also consult the Legislative Council Panel on Planning, Lands & Works. Briefing sessions to District Councils and concerned groups will be held. Briefing sessions to other interested parties can also be arranged upon request.

Comments received in the exercise will serve as input to the preparation of the Preliminary Outline Development Plan and to build public consensus on the relevant proposals.