10.          Landscape and Visual Impact assessment

10.1         Introduction

10.2         Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

10.3         Assessment Methodology

10.4         Scope and Content of the Study

10.5         Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

10.6         Comments on Landscape and Visual Issues Received during Consultations

10.7         Baseline Study

10.8         Landscape Impact Assessment

10.9         Visual Impact Assessment

10.10       Conclusion

 

 

 

 

10.                    Landscape and Visual Impact assessment

10.1                Introduction

10.1.1           This chapter outlines the landscape and visual impact assessment associated with the WDII and CWB Projects - Designated Project 6 (DP6) - Dredging for the Cross-harbour Water Mains from Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui.

10.1.2           DP6 is a Schedule 2 Designated Project (DP) under Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO).

10.1.3           The assessment includes:

·               a definition of the scope and contents of the study, including a description of the assessment methodology,

·               a review of the relevant planning and development control framework,

·               a review of comments received during Public Consultation and how these have been addressed in the design,

·               a baseline study providing a comprehensive and accurate description of the baseline landscape resources, landscape character areas and Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs),

·               recommendation of appropriate mitigation measures and associated implementation programmes,

·               identification of the potential landscape and visual impacts and prediction of their magnitude and potential significance, before and after the mitigation measures, and

·               an assessment of the acceptability or otherwise of the predicted residual impacts, according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM.

10.1.4           The landscape and visual impact assessment follows the criteria and guidelines as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the EIAO TM. Colour photographs showing baseline conditions, and photomontages and illustrative materials supporting conclusions are provided and the locations of all key viewpoints shall be clearly mapped.  Photomontages at representative locations provide comparison between existing views, proposals on day 1 after completion without mitigation measures, on day 1 completion with mitigation measures, and in year 10 after with mitigation measures in accordance with EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2002.

10.2                Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

10.2.1           The following legislation, standards and guidelines are applicable to landscape and visual impact assessment associated with the construction and operation of the project:

·               Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap.499.S.16) and the Technical Memorandum on EIA Process (EIAO TM), particularly Annexes 10 and 18,

·               Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance Guidance Note 8/2002,

·               Town Planning Ordinance (Cap 131),

·               ETWB No. 36/ 2004 - Advisory Committee on the Appearance of Bridges and Associated Structures (ACABAS),

·               ETWB TCW No. 10/2005 - Planting on Footbridges and Flyovers,

·               ETWB TCW No. 13/2003A - Guidelines and Procedures for Environmental Impact Assessment of Government Projects and Proposals Planning for Provision of Noise Barriers,

·               ETWB TCW No. 2/2004 - Maintenance of Vegetation and Hard Landscape Features,

·               Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines, Chapter 4 and Chapter 11,

·               HyDTC No. 10/2001 – Visibility of Directional Signs,

·               Land Administration Office Instruction (LAOI) Section D-12 - Tree Preservation,

·               Study on Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong.

·               WBTC No. 25/92 - Allocation of Space for Urban Street Trees, and

·               WBTC No. 7/2002 - Tree Planting in Public Works.

10.2.2           In addition, reference has been made to the following approved EIA reports:

·               EIA Report on Wan Chai Development Phase II, Territory Development Department, 2001 (EIA-058/2001),

·               EIA Report on Central – Wan Chai Bypass and Island Eastern Corridor Link, Highways Departments, 2001 (EIA-057/2001),

·               EIA Report on Central Reclamation Phase III – Studies, Site Investigation, Design and Construction, Territory Development Department, 2001 (EIA-055/2001), and

·               EIA Report on Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Atrium Link Extension, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, 2006 (EIA-120/2006).

10.3               Assessment Methodology

10.3.1           Landscape and visual impacts have been assessed separately for the construction and operational phases.

10.3.2           The assessment of landscape impacts has involved the following procedures:

·               Identification of the baseline landscape resources found within the study area. This is achieved by site visit and desktop study of topographical maps, information databases and photographs.

·               Assessment of the degree of sensitivity to change of the landscape resources. This is influenced by a number of factors including:

-                      quality and maturity of landscape resources/characters,

-                      rarity of landscape resources/characters,

-                      whether is considered to be of local, regional, national or global importance,

-                      whether there are any statutory or regulatory limitations/requirements relating to the landscape resource/characters, and

-                      ability of the landscape resource/character to accommodate change.

The Sensitivity of each landscape resources and character areas is classified as follows:

High:

Important landscape or landscape resources of particularly distinctive character or high importance, sensitive to relatively small changes.

Medium

Landscape or landscape resources of moderately valued landscape characteristics and reasonably tolerant to change.

Low:

Landscape or landscape resources of low valued landscape characteristics and high tolerant to change.

 

 

·               Identification of potential sources of landscape impacts. These are the various elements of the construction works and operational procedures that would generate landscape impacts.

·               Identification of the magnitude of landscape impacts. The magnitude of the impact (or magnitude of change) depends on a number of factors including:

-                      the physical extent of the impact,

-                      compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape,

-                      duration of impacts i.e. whether it is temporary (short, medium or long term), under construction and operation phases, and

-                      reversibility of change.

 

The magnitude of landscape impacts is classified as follows:

Large:

The landscape or landscape resource would suffer a major change.

Intermediate:

The landscape or landscape resources would suffer moderate change.

Small:

The landscape or landscape resources would suffer slight or barely perceptible change.

Negligible:

The landscape or landscape resources would suffer no discernible change.

 

·                     Identification of potential landscape mitigation measures. Mitigation measures may take the form of

-                      adopting alternative design or revisions to the engineering or the architectural design to prevent and/or minimize adverse impacts,

-                      remedial measures such as colour and textural treatment of physical, engineering and building features,

-                      compensatory measures such as the implementation of landscape design measures (e.g. tree planting, creation of new open space etc) to compensate for unavoidable adverse impacts and to attempt to generate potentially beneficial long term impacts.

 

A programme for the mitigation measures is provided. The agencies responsible for the funding implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures are identified.


·                     Predicted significance of landscape impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. By synthesising the magnitude of the various impacts and the sensitivity of the various landscape resources it is possible to categorise impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 10.1 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely insubstantial, slight, moderate, and substantial, depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of impact and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of landscape resource/character.

Table 10.1      Relationship between Receptor Sensitivity and Impact Magnitude in Defining Impact Significance

Magnitude of Impact (Change)

Large

Moderate

Moderate / Substantial

Substantial

Intermediate

Slight / Moderate

Moderate

Moderate / Substantial

Small

Insubstantial / Slight

Slight / Moderate

Moderate

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

 

Low

Medium

High

 

Receptor Sensitivity (of Landscape Resource, Landscape Character Area or VSRs)

 

·               Prediction of Acceptability of Impacts. An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAOTM.

10.3.3           The assessment of visual impacts has involved the followings:

·               Identification of Zones of Visual Influence (ZVIs) during the construction and operational phase of the project. This is achieved by site visit and desktop study of topographic maps and photographs, and preparation of cross-section to determine visibility of the project from various locations.

·               Identification of Visual sensitive receivers (VSRs) within the Zone of Visual Influence (ZVIs) at construction and operational stages. These are the people who would reside within, work within, play within, or travel through, the ZVIs.

·               Assessment of the degree of sensitivity to change of the VSRs. Factors considered include:

-                the type of VSRs, which is classified according to whether the person is at home, at work, at school, at play, or travelling. Those who view the impact from their homes are considered to be highly sensitive as the attractiveness or otherwise of the outlook from their home will have a substantial effect on their perception of the quality and acceptability of their home environment and their general quality of life. Those who view the impact from their workplace and at school are considered to be only moderately sensitive as the attractiveness or otherwise of the outlook will have a less important, although still material, effect on their perception of their quality of life. The degree to which this applies depends on whether the workplace is industrial, retail or commercial. Those who view the impact whilst taking part in an outdoor leisure activity may display varying sensitivity depending on the type of leisure activity. Those who view the impact whilst traveling on a public thoroughfare will also display varying sensitivity depending on the speed of travel.

-                other factors which are considered (as required by EIAO GN 8/2002) include the value and quality of existing views, the availability and amenity of alternative views, the duration or frequency of view, and the degree of visibility.

 

The sensitivity of VSRs is classified as follows:

High:

The VSR is highly sensitive to any change in their viewing experience.

Medium:

The VSR is moderately sensitive to any change in their viewing experience.

Low:

The VSR is only slightly sensitive to any change in their viewing experience.

·               Identification of relative numbers of VSRs. This is expressed in term of whether there are very few, few, many or very many VSRs in any one category of VSR.

·               Identification of potential sources of visual impacts. These are the various elements of the construction works and operational procedures that would generate visual impacts.

·               Assessment of the potential magnitude of visual impacts. Factors considered include

-                the compatibility with the surrounding landscape,

-                the duration of the impact,

-                the reversibility of the impact,

-                the scale of the impact and distance of the source of impact from the viewer, and

-                the degree of visibility of the impact, and the degree of which the impact dominates the field of vision of the viewer.

 

The magnitude of visual impacts is classified as follows:

Large:

The VSRs would suffer a major change in their viewing experience.

Intermediate:

The VSRs would suffer a moderate change in their viewing experience.

Small:

The VSRs would suffer a small change in their viewing experience.

Negligible:

The VSRs would suffer no discernible change in their viewing experience.

·               Identification of potential visual mitigation measures. These may take the form of adopting alternative designs or revisions to the basic engineering and architectural design to prevent and/or minimise adverse impacts, remedial measures such as colour and textural treatment of building features, and tree planting to screen the roads and associated bridge structures. A programme for the mitigation measures is provided. The agencies responsible for the implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures are identified and their approval-in-principle has been sought.


·            Prediction of the significance of visual impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. By synthesising the magnitude of the various visual impacts and the sensitivity of the VSRs, and the numbers of VSRs that are affected, it is possible to categorise the degree of significance of the impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 10.1 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely, insubstantial, slight, moderate and substantial, depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of impact and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of VSRs.

The significance of visual impacts is categorised as follows:

Substantial:

Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality.

Moderate:

Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality.

Slight:

Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality.

Insubstantial:

No discernible change in the existing visual quality.

·               Prediction of Acceptability of Impacts. An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAOTM.

10.3.4           It is assumed that funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation proposals can be satisfactorily resolved according to the principles in EIAO TM,  WBTC 2/2004 and 3/2006. All mitigation proposals in this report are practical and achievable within the known parameters of funding, implementation, management and maintenance. The suggested agents for the funding and implementation (and subsequent management and maintenance, if applicable) are indicated in Table 10.5 and 10.6. Approval-in-principle to the implementation, management and maintenance of the proposed mitigation measures is being sought from the appropriate authorities.

10.4               Scope and Content of the Study

10.4.1           The Study Area, as shown in Figure 10.1, is demarcated by Tong Shui Road Interchange to the east, Lockhart Road to the south, Fenwick Pier Street to the west and part of the Victoria Harbour to the north.  It falls mainly within Hong Kong Planning Areas No. 25 (Wan Chai North), No. 8 (North Point) and No. 24 (Central District (Extensions)).  The total existing land area within the boundary measures approximately 53 hectares.

10.4.2           According to EIA Study Brief No. ESB-153/2006, the study area for the landscape impact assessment shall include all areas within 100m extended from the boundary of the scope of the EIA study as described in section 10.4.1 above.  The assessment of landscape character areas will include all areas within the study area.  The assessment area for the visual impact assessment shall be defined by the visual envelope of the Project and associated works.


10.4.3           In this study, relevant Outline Development Plans (ODPs), Outline Zoning Plans (OZPs), Layout Plans and other relevant published land use plans, planning briefs and studies which may identify areas of high landscape value, open space and amenity area will be reviewed.  Any guidelines on landscape strategies, landscape frameworks, urban design concepts, building height profiles, special design areas, landmarks, designated view corridors, open space networks, landscape links that may affect the appreciation of the Project and associated works will also be reviewed.  The landscape and visual requirements contained in the Visions and Goals for Victoria Harbour formulated by the Town Planning Board (October 1999) are also reviewed.  Any conflict with statutory town plan(s) and any published land use plans shall be highlighted and appropriate follow-up action will be recommended.

10.4.4           In the landscape assessment, the existing and planned landscape resources and character of the assessment areas will be described, appraised, analyzed and evaluated.  Plans of suitable scale showing the baseline landscape resources and landscape character mapping of impact assessment are used to present the findings of impact assessment.  A broad brush tree survey which identifies the species and approximate numbers to be affected is included.  The assessment focuses on the sensitivity of the landscape framework and its ability to accommodate change.  The degree of compatibility of the Project and associated works with the existing and planned landscape settings will be identified.  The landscape impact assessment quantifies the potential landscape impacts as far as possible, so as to illustrate the significance of such impacts arising from the Project and associated works.  All landscape impacts are clearly mapped.

10.4.5           In the visual impact assessment, clear illustrations including mapping of visual impact will be provided.  The assessment includes:

l       Identification and plotting of visual envelope of the Project and associated works,

l       Identification of key groups of sensitive receivers within the visual envelope with regard to views from ground level, sea level and elevated vantage points,

l       Description of the visual compatibility of the Project and associated works within the surrounding, both existing and planned uses, its obstruction and interference with the key views of the adjacent areas, and

l       Description of severity of visual impacts in terms of nature, distance and number of sensitive receivers.  The visual impact of the Project and associated works with and without mitigations shall be assessed, and the effectiveness of the mitigation measures shall be demonstrated.

10.4.6           The merits of preservation in totality, in parts or total destruction of existing landscape and the establishment of new landscape character areas are evaluated.  Alternative alignment(s), design(s) and construction methods that would avoid or reduce the identified landscape and visual impacts have been evaluated for comparison before adopting other mitigation or compensatory measures to alleviate the impacts.  The mitigation measures proposed will not only be concerned with damage reduction but will also include consideration of potential enhancement of existing landscape and visual quality.

10.4.7           Measures will be included in the detailed design, construction and operation of the Project and associated works to mitigate landscape and visual impact and reduce them to the acceptable levels.  Relevant responsible parties will be identified for the on-going management and maintenance of the proposed mitigation works to ensure their effectiveness throughout the operation phase of the Project and associated works.  A practical programme and funding proposal for the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures is provided.

10.5               Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

General

10.5.1           Earlier strategic studies were predicated on a strong commitment to economic growth, a portion of which was to be reliant upon large-scale land formation.  These studies had advocated the creation of a substantial area of reclamation in the Central and Wan Chai Districts to provide land for a high profile extension of the Central Business District (CBD) out to the new waterfront.

10.5.2           There has been, in recent years, a shift in the development framework, with regards to the grounds for justifying any proposed reclamation in the Harbour (i.e. the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance) and specifically, the extent and functions of, and uses to be accommodated within, the proposed Central and Wan Chai Reclamation.  Harbour-front Enhancement Review – Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and Adjoining Area” (HER) was initiated by the Harbour-front Enhancement Committee (HEC) for the purpose of enhancing public participation in the Wan Chai Development Phase II (WDII) Review.  This will ensure that draft OZP and draft RODP reflect consensus.

10.5.3           This section provides an overview of Government’s development intentions of the Study Area, specifically from landscape and visual standpoints.  These have been identified from Government studies and documents which represent strategic development proposals for the Central and Wan Chai Reclamation.

Review of Stage II Study on Review of Metroplan (2002)

10.5.4           Stage II Study on Review of Metroplan (2002) aims at establishing a coherent planning policy statements based on the finding of previous studies, and reviewing and updating the land use-transport-environmental framework for the Metro Area up to the year 2016.  The Metroplan advocates the construction of a continuous promenade, public open space and landscaping facilities along the waterfront of the Inner Harbour Core.  Victoria Harbour is one of the major contextual elements that forms reference point providing distinctiveness and legibility and helps to structure the urban environment.

10.5.5           Open spaces and associated recreational facilities are proposed as the primary landuses for the reclaimed land which enhance amenity value of the harbour front.  Existing fragmented waterfront promenades are linked to form a continuous Harbour front edge from Central to North Point.  The provision of continuous waterfront promenades, associated piazzas and hinterland pedestrian links and landscaping facilities at (1) Central and Wan Chai planned reclamations and (2) between Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter and Oil Street is proposed.  Comprehensive pedestrian Circulation Framework is proposed to integrate the harbour front with the existing open space and streetscape framework.  Under the proposed development, the Metroplan proposals are followed and further reinforced.

Review of Planning Study on the Harbour and its Waterfront Areas (2003)

10.5.6           Planning Study on the Harbour and its Waterfront Areas (2003) formulate a Harbour and Waterfront Plan to guide the use of waterfront areas and the Harbour up to 2016 and beyond. Central, Wanchai and Causeway Bay is part of the Inner Harbour Core. Oil Street is one of the redevelopment sites along the waterfront.


10.5.7           Several key issues have been identified in the planning study. There is a lack of accessibility to Harbour due to at-grade or elevated major roads alongside or parallel to the Harbour shore. Several incompatible uses were found along the Victoria Harbour which are unsuitable for tourism development: essential port-related uses, such as cargo working areas and typhoon shelters; sewage screening plants, wholesale markets, helicopter pads. Most of the existing waterfront promenades and open spaces are unattractive, with inadequate landscaping and facilities.

10.5.8           The Planning Study suggested that urban design and landscape should aim at enhancing visual relief provided by Harbour, protecting Harbour setting, providing easy pedestrian access to waterfront and encouraging variety and visual excitement.

10.5.9           It is considered that the WDII and associated projects will meet the objectives of Planning Study on the Harbour and its Waterfront Areas.

Review of Visions and Goals for Victoria Harbour by Town Planning Board (1999)

10.5.10       The Town Planning Board recognises that the Victoria Harbour is a special public asset and part of the natural heritage of Hong Kong.  The Board also shares the community’s desire to protect and preserve the Harbour.  It is based on public aspiration that the Board has formulated its “Vision and Goals for Victoria Harbour”.

10.5.11       The vision is to make Victoria Harbour attractive, vibrant, accessible and symbolic of Hong Kong – a harbour for the people and a harbour for life.

10.5.12       Goals include:

l       To bring the people to the Harbour and the Harbour to the people.

l       To enhance the scenic views of the Harbour and maintain visual assess to the harbour-front.

l       To enhance the Harbour as a unique attraction for our people and tourists.

l       To create a quality harbour-front through encouraging innovative building design and a variety of tourist, retail, leisure and recreational activities, and providing an integrated network of open space and pedestrian links.

l       To facilitate the improvement of water quality of the Harbour.

l       To maintain a safe and efficient harbour for transport of people and goods and for the operation of an international hub port.

10.5.13       It is considered that the WDII and associated projects comply with the Visions and Goals for Victoria Harbour formulated by the Town Planning Board in 1999.


Review of the Outline Zoning Plans (OZPs)

10.5.14       A review of the existing and planned development framework for the proposed works and for the surroundings has been considered.  It aims to identify issues for the neighbouring planned land uses, to identify potential resources and sensitive receivers, and to ensure a high compatibility between the proposed project and the surroundings.

10.5.15       The Study Area is largely covered by OZPs. These are the Wan Chai North (HPA 25) Outline Zoning Plan (No. S/H25/1), Wan Chai OZP (No. S/H5/24), the Causeway Bay OZP (No. S/H6/14) and the North Point OZP (No. S/H8/21).  One other OZP, the Central District (Extension) (No. S/H24/6) also covers areas adjacent to WDII.  Based on desktop study, there will not be any impact on Wan Chai OZP (No. S/H5/24) and Causeway Bay OZP (No. S/H6/14).  The review of OZPs has not only included a review of the plans, but also of the ‘Notes’ and “Explanatory Statements’ which accompany, and form part of, these plans.  The proposed development are overlaid on the affected OZPs are shown in Figures 10.1.1 to 10.1.3.

10.5.16       The main landscape features depicted on the OZPs are limited to the open space network and the pedestrian linkages.  The OZPs illustrate the broad principle development within each planning area based on the previous approved Wanchai Development Phase II scheme.  However, under the current proposals, the broad planning principles approved in the previous scheme are maintained with reduced extent of reclamation, changes in the nature and extent of the Trunk Road and associated ground level roads.

10.5.17       A comparison of the Previous Approved Scheme as shown in OZPs and the Current Preferred Scheme is described below.

Extension of Reclamation

10.5.18       Under the Previous Approved Scheme as shown in OZPs, a total reclamation area of 28.5ha was envisaged. Under the Current Preferred Scheme, an area of some 12.7 ha will be reclaimed permanently, with the newly reclaimed land forming a narrow strip of land along the existing Wan Chai shoreline from the interface with the Central Reclamation Phase III (CRIII) project west of the HKCEC Extension, along the Wan Chai shoreline up to the west of the ex-PCWA, and along the North Point shoreline from the east of the CBTS to the west of City Garden.

10.5.19       During the Trunk Road construction, temporary reclamation will be required in the ex-PCWA basin and the CBTS to facilitate cut-and-cover tunnel construction of the Trunk Road. Existing moorings in the CBTS will need to be relocated to a temporary typhoon shelter outside the CBTS. After construction of the Trunk Road, the temporary reclamation will be removed and the ex-PCWA basin and the CBTS will be reinstated.

Open Space

10.5.20       Under both the Previous and Current Schemes, reclaimed lands are primarily used as open spaces.  In the Previous Approved Scheme, open spaces included the marine basin to the west of the HKCEC Extension, the Wan Chai waterfront east of the HKCEC Extension, the Yacht Club Marina, the Harbour Park, the CBTS promenade and Under Road Open Space.  In the Current Preferred Scheme, major open spaces include the marine basin west of the HKCEC Extension, the Wan Chai waterfront, the marine recreational basin at the west side of the RHKYC (the ex-PCWA basin) and the North Point waterfront park.

 

Pedestrian Links

10.5.21       A system of overhead pedestrian walkways is a major feature of the area.  This system links major developments and serves to improve pedestrian circulation throughout the Study Area.

10.5.22       Under the Current Scheme, the following new pedestrian links to the new harbour-front are as follows (Appendix 10.4):

(a)                a footbridge connecting the HKAPA with its Extension and the provision of an at-grade crossing across Road P2 to the waterfront,

(b)                a landscape deck from the garden adjacent to Grand Hyatt Hotel to the promenade area west of the HKCEC,

(c)                an at-grade crossing at the junction of Fleming Road and the re-aligned Hung Hing Road to the waterfront,

(d)                a landscape deck from Harbour Centre/Great Eagle Centre across the proposed Exhibition Station and the re-aligned Hung Hing Road to the waterfront,

(e)                an at-grade crossing at the junction of Tonnochy Road and the re-aligned Hung Hing Road to the waterfront,

(f)                 a footbridge along Wan Shing Street and over the re-aligned Hung Hing Road to the waterfront,

(g)                a landscape deck connecting the Victoria Park to the waterfront,

(h)                an at-grade pedestrian link extending from Watson Road to the waterfront, and

(i)                  an at-grade pedestrian link along the Oil Street and underneath the Island Eastern Corridor (IEC) and the proposed Trunk Road to the waterfront.

Summary

10.5.23       It is considered that the proposed development and associated works are in principle following the planning intentions for the study areas as set out in the OZPs.  However, in response to the CFA judgment on the PHO, the extent of reclamation has been reduced to a minimum.  Nevertheless, the new concept plan for the waterfront and enhanced connectivity to the waterfront from the hinterland do reinforce the planning intentions of the waterfront from Wan Chai to North Point.

10.6               Comments on Landscape and Visual Issues Received during Consultations

10.6.1           The public engagement project titled “Harbour-front Enhancement Review – Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and Adjoining Area” (HER) was initiated by the Harbour-front Enhancement Committee (HEC) for the purpose of enhancing public participation in the Wan Chai Development Phase II (WDII) Review.


10.6.2           A 3-stage Public Engagement Strategy has been formulated so as to enable a more structured approach to be adopted to the HER public engagement activities:

l       “Envisioning Stage” - Public to provide their visions, wishes and concepts, as well as Sustainability Principles and Indicators forming as a basis for the development of the Concept Plans,

l       “Realization Stage” - Public to evaluate Concept Plans to arrive at consensus,

l       “Detailed Planning Stage” - Ensure draft OZP and draft RODP reflect consensus.

10.6.3           Five public forums, two community design charrettes, opinion surveys, an Expert Panel Forum on Sustainable Transport Planning and Central Wan Chai Bypass (Expert Panel), and a Consolidation Forum were convened during the Envisioning Stage from May to July 2005 of, at which views on the development proposal were obtained from a wide range of interested and concerned parties.

10.6.4           Views of the public and concerned parties were obtained at the following presentations and forums:

l       Public Consultation Forum on 23 May 2005 (Wan Chai)

l       Public Consultation Forum on 31 May 2005 (Eastern)

l       Public Consultation Forum on 2 Jun 2005 (Central and Western)

l       Public Consultation Forum on 7 Jun 2005 (Southern)

l       Public Consultation Forum on 13 Jun 2005 (Yau Tsim Mong)

l       Community Charrette on 18 Jun 2005 (Wan Chai)

l       Community Charrette on 25 Jun 2005 (Yau Tsim Mong).

10.6.5           Issues raised were commonly focused on the following specific areas of concern related to landscape and visual aspects.

Vibrancy

10.6.6           There is a general consensus that the vibrancy of the waterfront should be enhanced with the provision of leisure activities, like cycling, walking, fishing and alfresco dining, and cultural activities.  Water sports should also be encouraged to enliven the harbour.  The image of harbour-front was considered important.

Pedestrian Connectivity and Accessibility

10.6.7           Most consultees commented that the connectivity and accessibility of the existing waterfront must be improved to bring more public to the waterfront.  To achieve this, an east-west continuous waterfront should be ensured for public enjoyment but more particularly, north-south pedestrian accessibility to the waterfront through a well-designed pedestrian network system should be provided.  The present separation of the waterfront from the hinterland should be rectified.  Many consultees proposed the extension of Victoria Park towards the waterfront, possibly through a new landscape deck.

Land and Marine Use Compatibility

10.6.8           Many consultees agreed that to ensure maximum land/ marine use compatibility is an important design principle for the waterfront.  There should be no large-scale or high-rise buildings along the waterfront, so as to protect the ridgeline.  There should also be no residential or office uses along the waterfront, in order to maximize public enjoyment and minimize traffic generation.  Moreover, the land requirement for the construction of distributor roads should be minimized to release more land for waterfront and leisure activities.

Natural and Cultural Heritage

10.6.9           The public in general shared the sentiment that the existing cultural and historical heritage along the waterfront, including the Noon-day Gun should be conserved.  Reclamation should be minimized to preserve the Victoria Harbour, the natural asset of the society.  Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter is also considered as an important cultural asset. Revitalization of past activities in the Typhoon Shelter like seafood cuisine and sampan tour is recommended to reflect its historical value and to attract tourism.

Comments of Planning Department on viewpoint

10.6.10       As requested by Planning Department (agreed on 30 April, 2007 email), 4 additional photomontages from the hinterland of the Wan Chai and North Point areas, Central Library and Arts Centre, and 3 perspectives showing views within the proposed open spaces are provided (Figures 10.7.10 to 10.7.14). The visual impacts from viewpoints are assessed.

10.7               Baseline Study

10.7.1           The Study Area is bordered by the following elements:

·               Northern Boundary - views to the north are dominated by Victoria Harbour and the Kowloon peninsula.  The harbour resource lends the site an open character which varies according to climate and visibility,

·               Eastern Boundary – dense urban development of a high rise nature extends along the eastern boundary of the Study Area, providing a backdrop to Victoria Park.  Development is characterised by modern commercial and office buildings, including the Citicorp Centre, to the north and older medium rise residential building extending to the south. Land rises steeply behind the eastern boundary to Lin Fa Kung Hill and Tai Hang,

·               Southern Boundary - an ‘urban wall’ of high rise developments along the southern edge of Gloucester Road provides a robust backdrop to the site, allowing limited visual permeability to the streetscapes of Wan Chai and Causeway Bay directly behind.  The urban structure is characterised by older medium rise residential buildings with taller more modern commercial in-fill development, such as the Sino Plaza and World Trade Centre, and

·               Western Boundary – developments on the western boundary are interspersed with a network of open spaces leading to a visually permeable interface with Admiralty and Central districts. Landmarks of note are the PLA Headquarter at Tamar and the City Hall complex and ferry piers beyond.


Physical Landscape Resources

10.7.2           The baseline landscape resources that will be affected during the Construction Phase and Operation Phase, together with their sensitivity to change, are described below. The locations of baseline landscape resources are mapped in Figures 10.2 and 10.2A.  Photo views illustrating the landscape resources within the study area are illustrated in Figures 10.2.1 to 10.2.6 inclusive.  For ease of reference and co-ordination between text, tables and figures, each landscape resource is given an identity number.

Landform

10.7.3           The study area generally comprises flat reclaimed land. The only topographical feature of note is:

LR1 – Natural Coastline at the RHKYC at Kellett Island

10.7.4           This approximately 100m long rocky foreshore is the sole remaining stretch of natural coastline between Kennedy Town and Chai Wan and, as such, it also has some minor historical interest.

Drainage

10.7.5           Apart of Victoria Harbour itself, there is no natural drainage or water body in the Study Area.

LR1A Victoria Harbour

10.7.6           The harbour itself is a valuable physical resource and is the one of the key primary elements that generates the unique landscape and visual identity and character of Hong Kong. The “Harbour” area, defined according to the original Protection of Harbour Ordinance, is the area between the Western Harbour Crossing in the west, and the line joining the Hung Hom Ferry Pier and North Point Ferry Pier in the east.  This represents an area of approximately 700 hectares.

Open Space and Vegetation

10.7.7           There are several open spaces and amenity areas which provide active and passive recreation opportunities, and which contain areas of existing vegetation which are considered to enhance the landscape and visual quality of the Study Area. These areas are recorded in Figures 10.2 and 10.2A and are described below.

LR2 Academy Podium Garden

10.7.8           The Academy Podium Garden (~0.9ha) is a split-level space containing a water feature, and small open air amphitheatre, with substantial quantities of semi-mature tree planting at grade and along the public footpath adjacent to Gloucester Road. The trees are an important element in diffusing the elevated Fenwick Pier Street flyover from the passive amenity space within the garden. There are approximately 50 trees found within the Garden. Species are primarily Hibiscus and Macaranga spp. in the garden and Aleurites moluccana along the public footpath adjacent to Gloucester Road.


LR3Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space

10.7.9           The public open space (~0.7ha) adjacent to the MTRC ventilation building next to Fenwick Pier Street is laid out in the style of a conventional Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) garden, with covered seating, raised planters and a children’s play area. Trees within the garden are reaching maturity and comprise Casuarina equisetifolia along the interface with Fenwick Pier Street, and Macaranga and Ficus spp. in the garden interior. Whilst the garden seems to be under-utilised in terms of visitors, it is well maintained and provides a valuable green space at the junction of Fenwick Pier Street with Convention Avenue. It contains approximately 90 trees. Part of the Open Space is currently used for temporary working areas.

LR4 Grand Hyatt Hotel Public Podium Plaza

10.7.10       The public plaza (~0.9ha) adjacent to the Grand Hyatt Hotel boasts sculptures, lawn areas, covered seating and a central water feature. The garden will not be directly affected by the works. Tree planting is limited due to the podium nature of the space and comprises, predominantly, Hibiscus spp. and Melaleuca leucadendron, with approximately 170 trees in total, none of which will be affected by the works. The garden is elevated above Harbour Road and Convention Avenue, limiting inward views from ground level. The garden is an important visual element, however, for VSRs located in surrounding buildings.

LR5 Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Promenade

10.7.11       Vegetation surrounding the HKCEC provides a useful green interface between the extensive hardworks surrounding the development and the harbour edge. The local open space along the waterfront at the north end of the HKCEC (~1.35ha) is a popular resource with both local people and visitors and is well used by recreation fishing lovers. Only the western and eastern extremities (~0.2ha) of this promenade will be directly affected by the works which proposes extension and enhancement of the promenade to the east and west. The promenade tree planting is primarily composed of Ficus and Hibiscus spp, with shrubs and groundcover beneath, whilst the approach roads are limited to predominantly Macaranga spp.

LR6 – Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Eastern Boundary Landscaping Area

10.7.12       The small open space (~0.2ha) at the eastern boundary of the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel is set back from Fleming Road behind raised planters and contains a wide paved space with a water feature. The planters are stocked with Ficus microcarpa, the crowns of which have merged in places to form a valuable screen between the hotel lobby and the busy road. There are approximately 37 trees along the northern edge of the area next to Convention Avenue.

LR7 Central Plaza Open Space

10.7.13       Local open space (~0.43ha) wraps around Central Plaza on two sides. The open space contains a central fountain, a large sculpture, raised planters and seating, and will not be directly affected by the works. Ficus microcarpa have been planted in tree grilles at grade and in raised planters with shrubs. The single species tree planting is effective in creating a buffer between the open space and the busy Gloucester Road and Fleming Road. The trees are an important visual asset for VSRs in surrounding buildings and for pedestrians and passing motorists. There are approximately 80 trees in the local open space and the adjacent paved areas.


LR8 Harbour Road Garden

10.7.14       The garden (~0.54ha) adjacent to the China Resources Building is enclosed on three sides and separated from Harbour Road by a high wall. This layout results in a secluded and sheltered space in an otherwise busy streetscape. The garden is laid out in a traditional Chinese style with a central pool and cascade. A variety of mature and semi-mature trees make the garden an important visual element for VSRs in surrounding buildings, though its principal quality is as peaceful amenity retreat for pedestrians.

LR9 Gloucester Road Tree Planting including Cross Harbour Tunnel Entrance Area and Tunnel Approach Rest Garden (LR9A)

10.7.15       Mature Aleurites moluccana line the northern edge of Gloucester Road located in raised planters adjacent to the China Resources Building, Sun Hung Kai Centre, and the Wan Chai Sports Ground. The trees are of a generally uniform height and size and are of excellent health and amenity quality. The Cross Harbour Tunnel Entrance Area contains Interchange Garden and several amenity areas with assorted trees, shrubs and palms. However there is no overall structure to the planting which is too fragmented to provide a suitable landscape context for the roads. There are approximately 256 trees.

LR10 – Tree Planting adjacent to Sewage Works, Hung Hing Road

10.7.16       Roadside trees line the boundary of the sewage works on Hung Hing Road as it veers north on viaduct and crosses Wan Shing Street. The trees are not uniformly spaced and lack an overall structure, but do provide important visual relief in an otherwise degraded setting. Species consist predominantly of Aleurites moluccana and Ficus spp. A small sitting out area has been placed beneath the elevated road on the eastern boundary of the sewage works, which is well maintained but appears to be under-utilised. There are approximately 80 trees.

LR11 Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club

10.7.17       There are two areas of trees at the Yacht Club, namely Ficus spp. laid out in rows within the car park, and Ficus spp. and palms planted on the northern boundary adjacent to the club house and restaurant. The car park trees are of a semi-mature to   mature size and greatly reduce visual impacts from heavy traffic descending into the Cross Harbour Tunnel. The trees also reduce the visual impact from the car park itself which comprises a substantial area of tarmacadam in a visually prominent position on the waterfront. There are approximately 80 trees found within the Yacht Club. When viewed from buildings on the southern boundary of Gloucester Road, the Yacht Club vegetation provides a strong contrast with the unvegetated Cargo Handling Basin to the west.

LR12 Tree Planting to Southern Boundary of the Police Officers’ Club

10.7.18       In common with tree planting (approximate 20 trees) along Gloucester Road to the west the Aleurites spp. planted along the southern and western boundaries of the Police Officers’ Club are mature, healthy specimens of high visual amenity. Their location along the edge of the busy Canal Street East, as it descends to join Gloucester Road, makes the trees very visible to motorists. They also provide a valuable visual buffer to the users of the Police Officers’ Club.


LR13 – Waterfront area along Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter (Heritage Precinct during operation)

10.7.19       Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter (CBTS) has a continuous seawall with landing steps along its southern boundary with Gloucester Road/Victoria Park Road. At the point where Gloucester Road veers to the south-west on elevated structure, the waterfront area becomes wider and accommodates mature and semi-mature tree planting. There are approximately 45 trees. The trees are primarily Macaranga spp, Cassia spp, Casuarina spp, and Aleurites spp.  Sitting out areas have been provided along the waterfront with flowering shrubs and trees (e.g. Plumeria rubra) located in raised planters. The trees along the waterfront are an important greening element for the Victoria Park Road corridor and provide a soft visual interface with the waterfront.  This area will be preserved and the historical elements of CBTS will be enhanced.  The floating Tin Hau Temple on-shore to the site of the existing A-King boatyard will be reprovisioned. 

LR14 Victoria Park

10.7.20       Victoria Park (portion north of Causeway Bay Road is ~19.3ha) contains approximately 2,500 trees within its bounds, most of which are located in the northern half of the park. There are some mature trees at its northern boundary with Victoria Park Road. These trees are an important visual resource for VSRs along Victoria Park Road and Gloucester Road and help to define the character of this eastern end of the Study Area. There are several examples of the protected species Ailanthus fordii in the north-west corner of the Park, one of which is a Champion Tree. There are several other Champion trees in the northern end of the Park, including two Washingtonia robusta, one Taxodium distichum and fifteen Roystonia regia. Views from the Park into the Study Area are largely screened by vegetation, though there remains a negative visual impact from heavy westbound traffic on the IEC.  There are two lawn bowl greens at the northern part of the Victoria Park.

LR15 Harcourt Garden

10.7.21       Harcourt Garden (~1.5ha) is a public open space built on top of an underground car park and opened in 1992. It contains approximately 450 trees.

LR16 – Wan Chai Sports Ground

10.7.22       This is a major recreational facility (~2.5ha) with high landscape value. This facility, combined with the adjacent indoor sports centre and training pool to the west, is a major landscape node which should be reinforced in any future development. It is an attraction which may, in future, draw pedestrian movement in an east-west direction along the waterfront. There are approximately 43 trees.

LR20 – Street trees along Convention Avenue and Hung Hing Road

10.7.23       There are approximately 56 street trees located along Convention Avenue and Hung Hing Road.

LR21Tung Lo Wan Garden

10.7.24       This is a small local open space (0.3ha) on the east side the westbound slip road from Victoria Park Road and connected to Victoria Park. The space would not be affected by the works. There are approximately 38 trees located in the space.


LR22 Amenity Areas between Fenwick Peer Street and Harbour Road

10.7.25       This is a small amenity area (Approx. 550m2) between Harbour Road and Fenwick Pier Street.  There are 28 trees, including Albizia lebbeck, Melaleuca quinquenervia and Roystonea regia.

LR23 Planned Open Space for Street Market with Outdoor Performance Area

10.7.26       This is a new open space (3 ha) near HKCEC as a result of reclamation.  This open space will link up with the planned regional open space (CDE2) reclaimed under Central Reclamation Phase III and form part of the Wanchai waterfront promenade. 

LR24 Planned Waterfront Regional Open Space

10.7.27       This is a new open space (4 ha) near HKCEC reclaimed under proposed development.  This open space will connect to the existing HKCEC Open spaces and form part of the Wanchai waterfront promenade.

LR25 Planned Kiosks and Leisure Boating Area, and Water Sport Centre

10.7.28       This area is the existing Wanchai Public Cargo Working Area will be redeveloped to a water recreation precinct.

LR26 Planned Waterfront Park

10.7.29       This is a reclaimed area at North Point to be planned as a waterfront park. A 20m landscaped walkway along the waterfront of the Oil Street development and a 15m landscaped walkway along Oil Street to waterfront park will be provided.

Cultural Landscape Resources

10.7.30       In addition to the resources identified above, there are several additional cultural landscape resources that exist within the Study Area. These are described as follows:

LR17 – Noonday Gun

10.7.31       The Noonday Gun in this small open space (0.05ha) is of historic and cultural interest and is a minor tourist attraction.

LR18 – Floating Tin Hau Temple

10.7.32       This is located in Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter and is of cultural interest.

LR19 – Typhoon Shelter

10.7.33       This provides moorings for many boats, including yachts associated with the RHKYC and cruisers, and is an area of very high landscape value.  The character of the 'marina' is a major visual focus in the area.

Landscape Character Zones

10.7.34       Landscape character zones have been identified within the Study Area. These are described below and illustrated in Figures 10.3 and 10.3A.


LZ1 – Fleet Arcade, Wan Chai West Sewage Screening Plant

10.7.35       The low-rise development of the Servicemen’s Guides Association Building, commonly referred to as the Fleet Arcade, is of low visual amenity and does not dominate the surrounding space.  Adjacent to the three-storey building to the east is the Wan Chai West Sewage Screening Plant.

LZ2 – The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA)

10.7.36       This zone is occupied primarily with the HKAPA building and its garden area and car park.  The HKAPA is a medium rise development with largely windowless facades which is visually dominated by a blue steel frame on its western facade.  A raised walled garden extends to the west which contains a small amphitheatre, hard paving and tree planting.

LZ3 - Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space

10.7.37       This small open space is primarily paved.  Tree and shrub planting are provided in raised planters. Some street furniture items such as benches are also present.  This space offers good views out over the Harbour to the Kowloon peninsula.  Part of the Open Space is currently used for temporary working areas.

LZ4 – The HKCEC Open Space

10.7.38       This is a podium sculpture garden on top of a car park which is accessible to the public. It comprises raised planters, grass areas and tree planting. Paved pathways meander through the space. Good views are afforded over the harbour. The garden space also enhances the amenity of the Grand Hyatt entry and lobby.

LZ5 – The HKCEC, Grand Hyatt / Renaissance Harbour View Hotels

10.7.39       This is a block development occupying an entire city block. It is a visually dominating structure of glass and brown granite. Its huge scale provides a backdrop to the new HKCEC Extension. Its block like form contrasts with the curves of the HKCEC Extension structure. Together, these structures visually define the western end of the Study Area, and provide visually impermeable mass which blocks views to the south.

LZ5A Renaissance Harbour View Plaza

10.7.40       This is a paved forecourt space with groves of fig trees and lawns. Some seating areas are provided beneath the tree canopies, the majority of which are located in raised planters. Narrow water features extend around the edge of the hotel facade.

LZ6 – The HKCEC Extension

10.7.41       The HKCEC Extension is the visual focus of Hong Kong Harbour. It dominates the Hong Kong Island north-shore. Its form and unusual roof, combined with glass and light coloured stone facade create an attractive defining form within the Study Area.


LZ6A – The HKCEC Extension Open Space

10.7.42       This area primarily comprises a public promenade extending around the entire perimeter of the HKCEC Extension. This is a wide paved promenade with tree palm and shrub planting. It provides important public access to the harbour edge and is used for strolling, recreation fishing and general passive recreation activities. This space also includes a ferry pier and plazas containing commemorative 'Handover' sculptures. The space also functions as a visual platform for the building. The seawall comprises custom steel railings mounted upon a curved granite foot wall above a sloping granite rock armoured wall.

LZ7Government Towers, Shui On Centre

10.7.43       This zone comprises three Government tower blocks, the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) block, Telecom House, the Hong Kong Arts Centre and Shui On Centre. The three Government towers (the Wan Chai, Revenue and Immigration Towers) are dark, imposing buildings visually dominating the area, due to their overall height and mirror glass facades, set against black cladding.

LZ7A Gloucester Road Garden

10.7.44       The three Government Towers define the plaza/forecourt which is an important passive recreation space comprising paving, water features, sculptures and tree planting. The plaza is busy through out the day and is used by office staffs and visitors.

LZ8Central Plaza

10.7.45       This is one of the tallest buildings in Hong Kong and dominates the Hong Kong Island skyline. It is a highly recognisable form and is seen as a visual landmark.

LZ8A Central Plaza Open Space

10.7.46       This is an attractive plaza space primarily functioning as a forecourt to Central Plaza. It a large area paved with homogenous tiles and a cascading water feature in its centre. Vegetation is characterised by dense fig tree planting mainly in raised planters with shrubs and ground cover. The vegetation is well maintained and provides important visual relief from the surrounding hard surface.

LZ9 China Resources Building, Sun Hung Kai Centre

10.7.47       This zone comprises of a number of office buildings and three older residential blocks. The China Resources Building has some wide podium-top deck areas which are important for pedestrian circulation and passive recreation. The Sun Hung Kai Centre is visually dominating with a dark glass facade and white edges. Pedestrian links are provided to adjacent developments above street level.

LZ9A Harbour Road Garden

10.7.48       This is a quiet, walled Chinese style garden at street level, offering quiet shaded seating areas beneath pergolas, gazebos and trees. Its design concept is based on a traditional Chinese Garden with water, in the form of ponds and a waterfall cascade, as the focal element.


LZ10 – Great Eagle Centre, Harbour Centre

10.7.49       The Great Eagle Centre consists of a dark twin tower development on podium. Of particular note are the large advertising signs occupying the harbour front facade of the podium. These are prominent structures and can be seen from the harbour and from Kowloon.

LZ11 – Public Transport Interchange (PTI)

10.7.50       This bus interchange is a busy, concrete hardstand area which generally is not a comfortable pedestrian environment. Of particular note are the overhead walkways linking the Wan Chai Ferry Pier and Harbour Centre. Their red roofs and blue steel box frames make them a visually striking element in this zone.

LZ12 Harbour Road Sports Centre, Wan Chai Swimming Complex

10.7.51       This is a public recreation complex consisting of a low rise hall and outdoor training pool. The ground floor on the Harbour Road side is set within an attractively planted garden and car park.

LZ13 – Wan Chai Ferry Pier

10.7.52       The Wan Chai Ferry Pier consists of a pier structure of a similar style to the Central Star Ferry Pier. It is an important transport node, which, in conjunction with the adjacent PTI across the road, creates a very active space.

LZ14 – Wan Chai Sports Ground

10.7.53       The Wan Chai Sports Ground is the largest open area within the Study Area. Although access and use is controlled and limited, it allows open air space above which contrasts with the surrounding built up development and allows views across the Study Area from developments to the west and south.

LZ15 – Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Building and Utilities

10.7.54       This zone consists of a number of small buildings and utility structures occupying two small blocks. Its main landscape assets are the trees, many of which are mature, which are scattered around the perimeter of the development.

LZ16 –Wan Chai Interchange

10.7.55       This zone consists of intersecting multi-lane roadways divided by areas of open amenity space. Most of this open space consists of grass areas and shrub patterning.  Access to these areas is limited to the central garden (Zone 16A described below), other areas are inaccessible to the public.

LZ16A Tunnel Approach Rest Garden

10.7.56       This zone consists of the central garden within the Cross Harbour Tunnel interchange Area. It is accessible from overhead walkways and provides an attractive passive park with a central waterwall. Its position in the middle of the interchange limits its value as an open space, but it is an attractive, if fleeting, visual element to motorists and provides some visual interest to VSRs in buildings located along the southern edge of Gloucester Road.


LZ17Ex-Wan Chai Public Cargo Working Area (planned as Water Recreation Precinct)

10.7.57       This zone comprises a hardstand wharf area and a small enclosed waterway. The marine facility is now vacant, with the cargo working area previously relocated to Chai Wan.  A temporary government helipad is located on the breakwater.  Currently, the area is generally unsightly, and has been fenced off with tall steel railings.

10.7.58       This area is proposed for water recreation uses during operation.  ‘Water recreation’ is the main theme for this area as the basin is already protected against seawaves.  A water sports centre and a harbour education centre are proposed, with new landing steps built into the seawall providing access to the water.  The land area by the harbour-side will be developed into a leisure area for public use.

LZ18 – The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC)

10.7.59       The RHKYC consists of a small building with maritime references with surrounding terraces, pool court and car park. The car park and terrace areas contain some significant tree planting. Much of the site is taken up with hardstand for the boat service area. Of particular significance is the fact that this site has one of the last remaining areas of natural coastline on the Harbour waterfront and was originally an island (Kellett Island) accessed by boat from Causeway Bay.

LZ19 – The Police Officers’ Club

10.7.60       This complex consists of a number of linked buildings with an outdoor pool, tennis courts and car park area. This area also has several mature trees on its perimeter. A line of mature trees is located along the club boundary with Gloucester Road which is an effective greening element within a busy vehicular corridor.

LZ20 – The Noonday Gun, Typhoon Shelter Edge

10.7.61       This zone consists of a narrow paved promenade stretching alongside the typhoon shelter waterfront. Of particular significance are the Noonday Gun and the existing mature trees located between the promenade path and Victoria Park Road. Due to the location of the Noonday Gun, this small area is a recognised land mark and visitor destination.

LZ21 – The Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter

10.7.62       The Typhoon Shelter provides moorings for many craft including yachts, cruisers, sampans and 'junks'.  It has a high value as an area of visual interest.  Its 'marina' style atmosphere makes it a significant area within the Study Area.  However, the vent structure associated with the CHT, which is located adjacent to the yacht club, is unattractive and visually dominating.

LZ22 – Shipyard and Fire Station

10.7.63       This zone comprises a shipyard, fire station, an electrical substation and residual water area of the Typhoon Shelter. This zone is visually separated from the rest of the typhoon shelter by the overhead road structure of the Island Eastern Corridor (IEC). Some significant mature trees also exist in this zone.


LZ23 Gloucester Road, Victoria Park Road

10.7.64       This is a major road with little pedestrianised streetscape. It forms the southern boundary of the Study Area. It is a busy dual-3 lane highway with fast moving vehicles and numerous slip lanes and is generally not a comfortable pedestrian space. It is a major artery for the Central and Wan Chai areas. Despite the lack of space set aside for landscaping, Gloucester Road maintains some important tree planting notably along its central reservation and within pavement areas adjacent to the China Resource Building and Sun Hung Kai Centre.

LZ24Harbour Road

10.7.65       This is a smaller road with wider footpaths and some streetscape atmosphere. This road extends from Wan Chai through to the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts servicing the adjacent developments. Street tree planting is generally immature but is beginning to provide a useful greening effect along this corridor.

LZ25 Convention Avenue

10.7.66       Convention Avenue runs between the HKCEC and its Extension providing a loop with Harbour Road. The avenue benefits from an adjacent sitting out area along its northern edge.

LZ26 Fleming Road

10.7.67       Fleming Road is dominated by the viaduct structure which rises to cross Gloucester Road to the south. There has been some tree planting carried out along the pavements and within the central reservation but this area is uncomfortable for pedestrians due to high traffic volumes and numerous road junctions.

LZ27Tonnochy Road

10.7.68       Tonnochy Road is dominated by the Sun Hung Kai Centre and the Wan Chai Sports Ground. The road is elevated as it links with Gloucester Road.

LZ28 Marsh Road, Hung Hing Road, Wan Shing Street

10.7.69       These roads do not have a welcoming pedestrian environment due to the light industrial nature of adjacent land, large numbers of heavy goods vehicles and narrow footpaths.

LZ29Victoria Harbour

10.7.70       The harbour resource is defined by Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula and is characterised by craft including ‘Star’ ferries, private vessels, cargo ships, and cruise ships. Access to the southern harbour edge for passive recreation is limited to the Fenwick Pier, the HKCEC Extension promenade, the Yacht Club, and the Noon Day Gun. The harbour is the visual focus for north and south facing development on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula respectively. In turn, it is dominated by these urban skylines.

LZ30 Island Eastern Corridor

10.7.71       This road is inaccessible to pedestrians. There are large numbers of heavy goods vehicles and narrow footpaths.

LZ31 Victoria Park

10.7.72       This is regional open space provide both active and passive recreation for the region.

LZ32Fleet Arcade and Planned HKAPA Extension and Open Space

10.7.73       This planned HKAPA Extension and Open Space will replace Wan Chai West Sewage Screening Plant and Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space.

LZ33 Planned Open Space for Street Market with Outdoor Performance Area

10.7.74       This is a new open space (3 ha) near HKCEC as a result of reclamation.  This open space will link up with the planned regional open space (CDE2) reclaimed under Central Reclamation Phase III and form part of the Wanchai waterfront promenade.  It will form part of the proposed Arts and Culture Precinct.  An ‘arts and culture’ theme is proposed for this part of harbour-front enhancement to enhance the existing character by providing complementary uses, such as outdoor performance areas, street markets, waterfront related retail uses, etc.  These facilities will also provide services to visitors to the Golden Bauhinia Square, an important tourist attraction and icon of Hong Kong.

LZ34 Planned Waterfront Regional Open Space

10.7.75       This is a planned waterfront regional open space to the east of HKCEC.  A ‘water park’ theme is recommended to this precinct.  Ornamental lakes (or water gardens), fountains and other water features will be the main features of this theme with the provision of pathways and small bridges around and through these water features.  An amphitheatre for performance with fountain show is proposed to provide a new experience of open-air entertainment surrounded by water.

LZ35 Planned Waterfront Park

10.7.76       This is a planned waterfront park under the proposed reclamation along the harbour-front to the east of CBTS.  A ‘leisure and recreation’ theme is proposed for this local park to address the shortfall of open space in the district and for opening up the currently inaccessible North Point waterfront.  This new harbour-front create a continue promenade.  The park will be mainly for passive recreation and small food kiosks and beverage outlets are proposed.

LZ36 Planned Regional Open Space

10.7.77       This is planned open space reclaimed under Central .Reclamation Phase III.  The water front landscape character will be further extended to the proposed open space reclaimed under the proposed development.

Landscape Sensitivity to Change

10.7.78       The landscape resources and landscape character zones that will be potentially affected during the construction phase and operation phase, together with their sensitivity to change, are listed in Table 10.2.


Table 10.2    List of the Landscape Resources / Landscape Character Zones and Their Sensitivity to Change

Id. No.

Landscape Resource / Landscape Character Zone

Sensitivity to Change

(Low, Medium, High)

LR1

Natural Coastline at the RHKYC at Kellett Island

High

LR1A

Victoria Harbour

High

LR2

Academy Podium Garden

High

LR3

Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space

High

LR4

Grand Hyatt Hotel Public Podium Plaza

High

LR5

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Promenade

High

LR6

Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Eastern Boundary Landscaping

High

LR7

Central Plaza Open Space

High

LR8

Harbour Road Garden

High

LR9

Gloucester Road Tree Planting including Cross Harbour Tunnel Entrance Area

High

LR9A

Tunnel Approach Rest Garden

High

LR10

Tree Planting adjacent to Sewage Works, Hung Hing Road

Medium

LR11

Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club

High

LR12

Tree Planting to Southern Boundary of the Police Officers’ Club

High

LR13

Waterfront area along Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter

High

LR14

Victoria Park

High

LR15

Harcourt Garden

High

LR16

Wan Chai Sports Ground

High

LR17

Noon Day Gun

High

LR18

Floating Tin Hau Temple

High

LR19

Typhoon Shelter

Medium

LR20

Street trees along Convention Avenue and Hung Hing Road

Medium

LR21

Tung Lo Wan Garden

High

LR22

Amenity Areas between Fenwick Peer Street and Harbour Road

High

LR23

Planned Open Space for Street Market with Outdoor Performance Area

High

LR24

Planned Waterfront Regional Open Space

High

LR25

Planned Kiosks and Leisure Boating Area, and Water Sport Centre

High

LR26

Planned Waterfront Park

High

LZ1

Fleet Arcade / Wan Chai West Sewage Screening Plant

Low

LZ2

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA)

High

LZ3

Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space

High

LZ4

The HKCEC Open Space

High

LZ5

The HKCEC, Grand Hyatt, Renaissance Harbour View Hotels

High

LZ5A

Renaissance Harbour View Plaza

High

LZ6

The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Extension

High

LZ6A

The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Extension Open Space

High

LZ7

Government Towers, Shui On Centre

High

LZ7A

Gloucester Road Garden

High

LZ8

Central Plaza

High

LZ8A

Central Plaza Open Space

High

LZ9

China Resources Building, Sun Hung Kai Centre

High

LZ9A

Harbour Road Garden

High

LZ10

Great Eagle Centre, Harbour Centre

High

LZ11

Public Transport Interchange (PTI)

Low

LZ12

Harbour Road Sports Centre, Wan Chai Swimming Complex

Medium

LZ13

Wan Chai Ferry Pier

Medium

LZ14

Wan Chai Sports Ground

High

LZ15

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Building and Utilities

Medium

LZ16

Wan Chai Interchange

Medium

LZ16A

Tunnel Approach Rest Garden

Medium

LZ17

Ex-Wan Chai Public Cargo Working Area

Low

LZ18

The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC)

High

LZ19

The Police Officers’ Club

High

LZ20

The Noon Day Gun, Typhoon Shelter Edge

High

LZ21

The Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter

Medium

LZ22

Shipyard and Fire Station

Low

LZ23

Gloucester Road, Victoria Park Road

Medium

LZ24

Harbour Road

Medium

LZ25

Convention Avenue

Medium

LZ26

Fleming Road

Medium

LZ27

Tonnochy Road

Medium

LZ28

Marsh Road, Hung Hing Road, Wan Shing Street

Medium

LZ29

Victoria Harbour

High

LZ30

Island Eastern Corridor

Low

LZ31

Victoria Park

High

LZ32

Fleet Arcade and Planned HKAPA Extension and Open Space

High

LZ33

Planned Open Space for Street Market with Outdoor Performance Area

High

LZ34

Planned Waterfront Regional Open Space

High

LZ35

Planned Waterfront Park

High

LZ36

Planned Regional Open Space

High

 


Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI)

10.7.79       The primary and secondary ZVI for the Project during the construction phase are illustrated in Figures 10.4, 10.4A and 10.4B.  Photo views illustrating the Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) within the study area are illustrated in Figures 10.4.1 to 10.4.10. Primary ZVI is the area within 2000m from the proposed developments while secondary ZVI is the area with an average distance of more than 2000m from the developments.

Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

10.7.80       Table 10.3 lists the key VSRs found within the ZVIs. For ease of reference, each VSR is given an identity number, which is used in all relevant tables and figures in this report. VSR are divided into 6 types: Commercial, Commercial/ Residential, Residential, Recreational, Government/ Institution/ Community and Transport related.

10.7.81       “Frequency of View” depends on the type and nature of VSRs: all hotel-related VSRs, Residential VSRs and Commercial/ Residential VSRs are frequent; all other commercial VSRs are occasional; for Government/ Institution/ Community VSRs, institution-related, post-office-related VSRs and those with ‘Glimpse Degree of Visibility’ are rare, all other Government/ Institution/ Community VSRs are occasional; all Recreational VSRs within the waterfront are very frequent, those with ‘glimpse Degree of Visibility’ are rare, the others are occasional; transport related VSRs depends on ‘Minimum Distance between VSRs and Impact Source’ and ‘Degree of Visibility’, S1 and T3 are Frequently because they have 0-10 m ‘Minimum Distance between VSRs and Impact Source’ and ‘Full Degree of Visibility’, T1 and T2 are rare because they have 500-1000 m ‘Minimum Distance between VSRs and Impact Source’ and ‘Partial Degree of Visibility’. Exceptions on “Frequency of View” include C2 is rare because it is more transported related; GIC11 is Frequent because it is hotel-related.

10.7.82       “Sensitivity to Change” are high for VSRs with medium to many ‘Number of Individuals’, good ‘Quality of Existing View’, 0-200 m ‘Minimum Distance between VSRs and Impact Source’, partial to full ‘Degree of Visibility’ and occasional to very frequent ‘Frequency of View’; “Sensitivity to Change” are low for VSRs with glimpse ‘Degree of Visibility’, equal or more than 950 m ‘Minimum Distance between VSRs and Impact Source’, or rare ‘Frequency of View’; otherwise “Sensitivity to Change” are Medium.


Table 10.3          Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) and Their Sensitivity to Change

 

Id. No.

Key Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

Type of VSRs

Number of Individuals (Many/ Medium/ Few/ Very Few)

Quality of Existing View

(Good/ Fair/ Poor)

Availability of Alternative Views

(Yes/ No)

Minimum Distance between VSRs and Impact Source (m)

Degree of Visibility (Full/ Partial/ Glimpse)

Frequency of View (Very Frequent/ Frequent/ Occasional/ Rare)

Sensitivity to Change

(Low, Medium, High)

Part 1 - Existing VSRs

C1

International Finance Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

1000

Full

Occasional

Low

C2

Hong Kong Station Development Phase 2

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

1000

Partial

Rare

Low

C3

Exchange Square

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

1000

Partial

Occasional

Low

C4

Jardine House

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

980

Partial

Occasional

Low

C5

Mandarin Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

950

Partial

Frequent

Low

C6

Hong Kong Club

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

800

Partial

Occasional

Medium

C7

Ritz Carlton Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

740

Partial

Frequent

Medium

C8

AIA Tower

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

690

Partial

Occasional

Medium

C9

Hutchison House

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

620

Partial

Occasional

Medium

C10

Bank of America Tower

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

580

Partial

Occasional

Medium

C11

Far East Financial Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

550

Partial

Occasional

Medium

C12

Admiralty Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

500

Partial

Occasional

Medium

C13

United Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

550

Partial

Occasional

Medium

C14

CITIC Tower

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

250

Partial

Occasional

Medium

C15

Fleet Arcade

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

80

Full

Occasional

High

C16

Asian House

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

430

Partial

Occasional

Medium

C17

Chung Nam Building

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

380

Glimpse

Occasional

Low

C18

Fleet House, Harcourt House

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

350

Glimpse

Occasional

Low

C19

Telecom House, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Harbour View International House

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

250

Full

Occasional

Medium

C20

Shui On Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

250

Full

Occasional

Medium

C21

Central Plaza

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

350

Partial

Occasional

Medium

C22

Grand Hyatt Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

150

Full

Frequent

High

C23

Renaissance Harbour View Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

250

Full

Frequent

Medium

C24

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

No

100

Full

Occasional

High

C25

Great Eagle Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

350

Full

Occasional

Medium

C26

Harbour Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

390

Full

Occasional

Medium

C27

China Resources Building

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

420

Full

Occasional

Medium

C28

Sun Hung Kai Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

500

Full

Occasional

Medium

C30

Sino Plaza

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

960

Full

Occasional

Low

C31

World Trade Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

1080

Full

Occasional

Low

C32

Excelsior Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

1120

Full

Frequent

Low

C33

The Park Lane Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

1300

Partial

Frequent

Low

C34

Windsor House

Commercial

Medium

Fair

Yes

1320

Partial

Occasional

Low

C35

19-31 Yee Wo Street

Commercial

Medium

Fair

Yes

1400

Partial

Occasional

Low

C36

Citicorp Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

1600

Full

Occasional

Low

C37

Victoria Centre

Commercial/

Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

1580

Full

Occasional

Low

C38

Ocean Terminal

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

500

Full

Occasional

Medium

C39

Star House

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

300

Full

Occasional

Medium

C40

Peninsula Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

No

300

Full

Frequent

Medium

C41

Sheraton Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

No

300

Full

Frequent

Medium

C42

InterContinental Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

No

130

Full

Frequent

Medium

C43

New World Centre and Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

No

300

Full

Frequent

Medium

C44

Wing On Plaza

Commercial

Medium

Good

No

500

Full

Occasional

Medium

C45

Shangri-La Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

No

550

Full

Frequent

Medium

C46

Tsim Sha Tsui Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

No

600

Full

Occasional

Medium

C47

Empire Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

No

700

Full

Occasional

Medium

C48

Grand Stanford Harbour View Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

No

780

Full

Frequent

Medium

C49

Nikko Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

860

Full

Frequent

Medium

C50

Four Season Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

No

1200

Partial

Frequent

Low

C51

Harbour Plaza Metropolis

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

1310

Full

Frequent

Low

C52

AIA Tower

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

1850

Full

Occasional

Low

C53

Newton Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

1950

Full

Frequent

Low

C54

Electric Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

1840

Full

Occasional

Low

C54A

Sea View Estate

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

1620

Full

Occasional

Low

C58

Commercial Properties in the Secondary ZVI on the North Slopes of Hong Kong Island

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

3000

Partial

Occasional

Low

C/R1

Causeway Centre

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

620

Full

Frequent

Medium

C/R2

160-169 Gloucester Road

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

750

Full

Frequent

Medium

C/R3

210-226 Gloucester Road

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

850

Full

Frequent

Medium

C/R4

Elizabeth House

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

950

Full

Frequent

Low

C/R5

Riviera Mansion

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

1150

Full

Frequent

Low

C/R6

Prospect Mansion

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

1180

Full

Frequent

Low

C/R7

Miami Mansion

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

1270

Full

Frequent

Low

C/R8

Marco Polo Mansion

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

1280

Full

Frequent

Low

C/R9

Victoria Park Mansion

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

1300

Partial

Frequent

Low

C/R10

Chesterfield Mansion

Commercial/ Residential

Few

Fair

Yes

1340

Partial

Frequent

Low

C/R11

Greenfield Mansion

Commercial/ Residential

Few

Fair

Yes

1350

Partial

Frequent

Low

C/R12

Properties fronting Causeway Road

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

1700

Partial

Frequent

Low

C/R13

Park Towers

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

1710

Full

Frequent

Low

C/R14

Viking Garden

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

1700

Full

Frequent

Low

C/R15

50-52 Hing Fat Street

Commercial/ Residential

Few

Good

Yes

1690

Full

Frequent

Low

C/R16

Mayson Garden Building

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

1670

Full

Frequent

Low

C/R17

Gorden House

Commercial/ Residential

Few

Good

Yes

1680

Full

Frequent

Low

C/R18

Belle House

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

1650

Full

Frequent

Low

C/R19

Top Glory Tower

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Fair

Yes

1000

Full

Frequent

Low

C/R20

Hoi Kung Court

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Fair

Yes

1070

Full

Frequent

Low

C/R21

Hoi To Court

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Fair

Yes

1120

Full

Frequent

Low

C/R22

Hoi Deen Court

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Fair

Yes

1150

Full

Frequent

Low

C/R23

Pacific Place Complex

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Fair

Yes

660

Glimpse

Frequent

Low

GIC1

General Post Office

Government/ Institution/ Community

Medium

Good

Yes

950

Partial

Rare

Low

GIC2

City Hall

Government/ Institution/ Community

Medium

Good

Yes

660

Partial

Occasional

Medium

GIC3

PLA Headquarters at Tamar

Government/ Institution/ Community

Medium

Good

Yes

480

Full

Occasional

Medium

GIC4

Hong Kong Police Force Headquarters, May House

Government/ Institution/ Community

Medium

Good

Yes

360

Full

Occasional

Medium

GIC5

Revenue Tower

Government/ Institution/ Community

Medium

Good

Yes

350

Full

Occasional

Medium

GIC6

Wan Chai Tower

Government/ Institution/ Community

Medium

Good

Yes

260

Full

Occasional

Medium

GIC7

Police Officers’ Club

Government/ Institution/ Community

Medium

Good

Yes

1000

Partial

Occasional

Low

GIC8

Queen’s College

Government/ Institution/ Community

Medium

Fair

Yes

1880

Glimpse

Rare

Low

GIC9

Hing Fat Street Post Office

Government/ Institution/ Community

Medium

Fair

Yes

1800

Glimpse

Rare

Low

GIC10

Victoria Park School for the Deaf

Government/ Institution/ Community

Medium

Fair

Yes

1750

Partial

Rare

Low

GIC11

YMCA

Government/ Institution/ Community

Medium

Good

Yes

220

Full

Frequent

High

GIC12

Electric Road Municipal Services Building

Government/ Institution/ Community

Medium

Good

Yes

1890

Partial

Occasional

Low

O1

Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space

Recreational

Medium

Fair

Yes

10

Glimpse

Rare

Low

O2

HKCEC Open Space

Recreational

Medium

Fair

Yes

100

Partial

Occasional

High

O3

HKCEC Extension Open Space and Promenade

Recreational

Medium

Good

Yes

100

Full

Very Frequent

High

O4

Renaissance Harbour View Plaza

Recreational

Medium

Fair

Yes

350

Glimpse

Rare

Low

O5

Central Plaza Open Space

Recreational

Medium

Fair

Yes

400

Glimpse

Rare

Low

O6

Wanchai Sports Ground

Recreational

Medium

Fair

Yes

700

Glimpse

Rare

Low

O7

Tunnel Approach Rest Garden

Recreational

Medium

Fair

Yes

900

Glimpse

Rare

Low

O8

Victoria Park

Recreational

Many

Fair

Yes

1600

Partial

Occasional

Low

O9

Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront Promenade

Recreational

Medium

Good

Yes

10

Full

Very Frequent

High

O10

Hill-walkers in the Secondary ZVI on the north slopes of Hong Kong Island

Recreational

Many

Good

Yes

1500 – 2400

Partial

Occasional

Low

OU1

Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club

Recreational

Medium

Good

Yes

1000

Full

Occasional

Low

R1

Residential Properties fronting Tung Lo Wan Road

Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

2000

Partial

Frequent

Low

R2

Residential Properties in the Secondary ZVI on the north slopes of Hong Kong Island

Residential

Many

Good

Yes

1500 – 2400

Partial

Frequent

Low

R4

Harbour Heights

Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

1600

Full

Frequent

Low

R5

Residential Properties fronting King Wah Road

Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

1880

Full

Frequent

Low

R6

City Garden

Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

1870

Full

Frequent

Low

R7

Provident Centre

Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

2000

Glimpse

Frequent

Low

S1

Harbour Traffic

Transport related

Many

Good

Yes

0-1200

Full

Frequent

High

T1

Wanchai North Road Network – vehicular, pedestrian

Transport related

Many

Fair

Yes

320

Glimpse

Rare

Low

T2

Gloucester Road Corridor – vehicular, pedestrian

Transport related

Many

Fair

Yes

300

Glimpse

Rare

Low

T3

Island Eastern Corridor

Transport related

Many

Good

Yes

1410

Full

Frequent

Low


10.8               Landscape Impact Assessment

Sources of Landscape Impacts

Construction Phase

10.8.1           Sources of impacts in the construction phase would include:

·                   construction of Cross-harbour Water Main from Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui, including the dredging work(DP6) and the pipe,

·                   construction traffic,

·                   temporary site access areas, site cabins and heavy machinery,

·                   after dark lighting and welding, and

·                   dust during dry weather.

Operation Phase

10.8.2           Under DP6, there will be no source of impacts of the project during the operation stage.

Degree of Compatibility of the Project and Associated Works

10.8.3           The proposed Cross-harbour Water Main from Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui (DP6), the pipes (for DP6) will basically be underground structures.  It will not have impacts on existing or proposed landscape setting.

10.8.4           As a whole, the proposed project and associated works will not create substantial visual intrusion to the existing urban waterfront environment and is considered as compatible to the existing and proposed landscape settings.

Nature and Magnitude of Impacts of Unmitigated Landscape Impact in Construction Phase

10.8.5           There will be slight or insubstantial impact on the landscape resources and landscape character areas (Table 10.7).

Nature and Magnitude of Impacts of Unmitigated Landscape Impact in Operation Phase

10.8.6           The magnitude of the impacts, before implementation of mitigation measures, on the landscape resources and character areas that will occur in the operation phase are the same as the permanent and irreversible impacts described in the construction phase.

Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures in Construction and Operation Phase

10.8.7           The proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures in the construction is listed in Table 10.5 below, together with an indication of Funding, Implementation and Maintenance Agencies.  As DP6 will basically be underground structures, landscape mitigation measures during the operation will not be required. Generally, all landscape mitigation measures are to be implemented as early as possible and they are illustrated in Figures 10.5, 10.5A, 10.5.1 to 10.5.5.

 

 

 

Table 10.5   Proposed Construction Phase Landscape Mitigation Measures (Refer to EIA-058/2001Table 10.13)

ID No.

Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

Funding Agency

Implementation Agency

CM21, 2

Minimisation of works areas.

CEDD

CEDD’s Contractor

CM31, 2

Erection of decorative hoardings.

CEDD

CEDD’s Contractor 

CM4, 2

Control night-time lighting.

CEDD

CEDD’s Contractor 

CM51, 2

Minimisation of disruption to public by effective programming of the works.

CEDD

CEDD’s Contractor

Note: (1)     CEDD shall be responsible for the implementation of road works and associated amenity landscape areas;

          (2)    Mitigation measures refer to Good Site Practices.

 

Programme of Implementation of Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

10.8.8           The Construction Phase Measures listed above shall be adopted from the commencement of construction and shall be in place throughout the entire construction period.  The Operation Phase Measures listed above shall be adopted during the detailed design and be built as part of the construction works so that they are in place at the date of commissioning of the Project.

Prediction of Significance of Landscape Impacts

10.8.9           The potential significance of landscape impacts during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, is provided below in Table 10.7.  The landscape impacts for the construction and operation phases with mitigations are mapped in Figures 10.6.1 to 10.6.4.  The assessment follows the proposed methodology and assumes that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Table 10.5 above would be implemented, and the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would be realized after 10 years.  Photomontages of the proposed project without and with mitigation measures and illustrations showing views within the proposed open spaces are shown in Figures 10.7.1 to 10.7.14.  The locations of the viewpoints are indicated in Figures 10.7 and 10.7A.

Residual Landscape Impacts in Construction and Operation Phase

10.8.10       Residual impacts on landscape resources in the Construction Phase are mapped in Figure 10.6.1.  Residual impacts on landscape character areas in the Construction Phase are mapped in Figure 10.6.2.  Impacts on landscape resources and character areas occur in the Operation Phase are same as the permanent and irreversible impacts in the construction phase, and are illustrated in Figures 10.6.3 and 10.6.4.  Residual impacts of moderate to substantial significance are summarized as below.

Impact on Victoria Harbour

10.8.11       There will be slight negative impact on Victoria Harbaour under DP6 during construction and insubstantial impact during operation.

 

Impact on Natural Coastline at the RHKYC at Kellett Island

10.8.12       There will be no impact on Natural Coastline at the RHKYC at Kellett Island under DP6.

Impact on Floating Tin Hau Temple

10.8.13       There will be no impact on Floating Tin Hau Temple under DP6.

Impact on Existing Trees

10.8.14       There will be no impact on existing trees under DP6.

Impact on Existing Open Spaces

10.8.15       There will be no impact on existing open spaces under DP6.

Impact on Landscape Character Areas

10.8.16       Impact on Landscape Character Areas during construction will be primarily due to the construction activities including associated temporary works for DP6.  After implementation of mitigation measures, there will still be slight or insubstantial impacts on landscape character area during construction.  During Operation, there will be no impact on landscape character areas.


Table 10.7          Significance of Landscape Impacts in the Construction and Operation Phases

Id. No.

Landscape Resource / Landscape Character

Sensitivity to Change  (Low, Medium, High)

Magnitude of Change  (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)

Impact Significance before Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)

Recommended Mitigation Measures

Impact Significance Day 1 after Mitigation

Impact Significance  10 years after Mitigation

(Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)

Construction

Operation

Construction

Operation

Construction

Operation

Construction

Operation

Operation

Part 1 – Physical Landscape Resources (Topography, Vegetation, Soil, Open Space, Special Features)

LR1

Natural Rocky Coastline at RHKYC

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR1A

Victoria Harbour

High

High

Small

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR2

Academy Podium Garden

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR3

Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space (will become HKAPA Extension in operation stage)

High

-

Negligible

-

Insubstantial

-

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR4

Grand Hyatt Hotel Public Podium Plaza

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR5

HKCEC Promenade and Approach Roads

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR6

Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Eastern Boundary Landscaping

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR7

Central Plaza Open Space

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR8

Harbour Road Garden

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR9

Gloucester Road Tree Planting including Cross Harbour Tunnel Entrance Area

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR9A

Tunnel Approach Rest Garden

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR10

Tree Planting adjacent to Sewage Works, Hung Hing Road

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR11

RHKYC

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR12

Tree Planting to Southern Boundary of the Police Officers’ Club

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR13

Waterfront Area along Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter (will become Planned Waterfront Board Walk during operation)

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR14

Victoria Park

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR15

Harcourt Garden

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR16

Wan Chai Sports Ground

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR17

Noon Day Gun

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR18

Floating Tin Hau Temple

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR19

Typhoon Shelter

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR20

Trees along Convention Avenue and Hung Hing road

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR21

Cleveland Street Local Open Space

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR22

Amenity Areas between Fenwick Peer Street and Harbour Road

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR23

Planned Open Space for Street Market with Outdoor Performance Area

-

High

-

Negligible

-

Insubstantial

Not required

-

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR24

Planned Waterfront Regional Open Space

-

High

-

Negligible

-

Insubstantial

Not required

-

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR25

Planned Kiosks and Leisure Boating Area, and Water Sport Centre

-

High

-

Negligible

-

Insubstantial

Not required

-

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR26

Planned Waterfront Park

-

High

-

Negligible

-

Insubstantial

Not required

-

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Part 2 – Landscape Character Areas

LZ1

Fleet Arcade / Wan Chai West Sewage Screening Plant (Wan Chai West Sewage Screening Plant will become HKAPA Extension in operation)

Low

-

Negligible

-

Insubstantial

-

Not required

Insubstantial

-

-

LZ2

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ3

Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space (will become HKAPA Extension in operation stage)

High

-

Negligible

-

Insubstantial

-

Not required

Insubstantial

-

-

LZ4

The HKCEC Open Space

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ5

The HKCEC, Grand Hyatt / Renaissance Harbour View Hotels

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ5A

Renaissance Harbour View Plaza

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ6

The HKCEC Extension

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ6A

The HKCEC Extension Open Space and adjacent area

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ7

Government Towers / Shui On Centre

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ7A

Government Tower Plaza

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ8

Central Plaza

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ8A

Central Plaza Open Space

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ9

China Resources Building / Sun Hung Kai Centre

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ9A

Harbour Road Garden

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ10

Great Eagle Centre / Harbour Centre

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ11

Public Transport Interchange (PTI)

Low

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ12

Harbour Road Sports Centre, Wan Chai Swimming Complex

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ13

Wan Chai Ferry Pier

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ14

Wan Chai Sports Ground

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ15

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Building and Utilities

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ16

Wan Chai Interchange

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ16A

Tunnel Approach Rest Garden

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ17

Ex-Wan Chai Public Cargo Working Area (Planned Kiosks and Leisure Boating Area, and Water Sport Centre)

Low

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ18

The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC)

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ19

The Police Officers’ Club

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ20

The Noon Day Gun and Typhoon Shelter Edge

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ21

The Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ22

Shipyard and Fire Station

Low

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ23

Gloucester Road / Victoria Park Road

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ24

Harbour Road

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ25

Convention Avenue

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ26

Fleming Road

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ27

Tonnochy Road

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ28

Marsh Road, Hung Hing Road, Wan Shing Street

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ29

Victoria Harbour

High

High

Small

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ30

Island Eastern Corridor

Low

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ31

Victoria Park

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Not required

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ32

Fleet Arcade and Planned HKAPA Extension and Open Space

-

High

-

Negligible

-

Insubstantial

Not required

-

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ33

Planned Open Space for Street Market with Outdoor Performance Area

-

High

-

Negligible

-

Insubstantial

Not required

-

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ34

Planned Waterfront Regional Open Space

-

High

-

Negligible

-

Insubstantial

Not required

-

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ35

Planned Waterfront Park

-

High

-

Negligible

-

Insubstantial

Not required

-

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LZ36

Planned Regional Open Space

 

High

-

Negligible

-

Insubstantial

Not required

-

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

 


10.9               Visual Impact Assessment

Potential Sources of Visual Impacts

10.9.1           The sources of visual impacts due to the Project would create varying levels of visual impact during the construction and operation phases.  Potential impacts would result from the elements stated in Section 10.8.1 and 10.8.2.

Visual Mitigation Measures

10.9.2           The proposed Visual Mitigation Measures in the Construction are summarized in Table 10.5, together with an indication of Funding, Implementation, Management and Maintenance Agencies.  As DP6 will basically be underground structures, landscape and visual mitigation measures during the operation will not be required.  The mitigation Measures are illustrated in Figures 10.5, 10.5A, 10.5.1 to 10.5.5.

Prediction of Significance of Visual Impacts

10.9.3           An assessment of the potential significance of the visual impacts during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation is provided in detail in Table 10.8. This follows the methodology outlined in Section 10.3 and assumes that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Table 10.5 above would be implemented, and that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would be realized after ten years.  Photomontages of the proposed project before and illustrations showing views within the proposed open spaces are shown in Figures 10.7.1 to 10.7.14.  The locations of the viewpoints are indicated in Figures 10.7 and 10.7A.

10.9.4           The proposed Cross-harbour Water Main from Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui (DP6), the pipes (for DP6) and the Cooling Water Pumping Stations will basically be underground structures and will not create any visual impacts.

Residual Visual Impacts

Construction Phase

10.9.5           Residual visual impacts in the Construction Phase are listed out in Table 10.8 mapped in Figures 10.6.5 and 10.6.6.  In the Construction Phases, after the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, there will still be some adverse residual visual impacts are shown in Table 10.8.

10.9.6           With implementation of mitigation measures during construction, there will still be insubstantial to slight negative impact on the VSRs at the front row of high rise buildings along the waterfront from Central to North Point.  Residual impacts VSRs further away the Victoria harbour will be insubstantial as that shown in Figures 10.7.11 to 10.7.14.

Operation Phase

10.9.7           Residual visual impacts in the Operation Phase are listed out in Table 10.8 mapped in Figures 10.6.7 and 10.6.8.  In the Operation Phase, after the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, there will be no residual visual impacts under DP6 as shown in Table 10.8.

 


Table 10.8          Significance of Visual Impacts in the Construction and Operation Phases (Note: All impacts adverse unless otherwise noted.)

Id No

Key Visual Sensitive Receiver (VSR)

Receptor Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)

Main Source of Visual Impacts

Magnitude of Impact (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)

Impact Significance without Mitigation Measures  (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)

Recommended Mitigation Measures

Residual Impact Significance with Mitigations

(Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)

Construction

Operation

Construction

Operation

Construction

Operation

Construction

Operation

 

Day 1

Year 10

Part 1 – Existing VSRs

C1

International Finance Centre

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C2

Hong Kong Station Development Phase 2

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C3

Exchange Square

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C4

Jardine House

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C5

Mandarin Hotel

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C6

Hong Kong Club

Medium

Medium

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C7

Ritz Carlton Hotel

Medium

Medium

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C8

AIA Tower

Medium

Medium

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C9

Hutchison House

Medium

Medium

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C10

Bank of America Tower

Medium

Medium

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C11

Far East Financial Centre

Medium

Medium

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C12

Admiralty Centre

Medium

Medium

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C13

United Centre

Medium

Medium

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C14

CITIC Tower

Medium

Medium

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C15

Fleet Arcade

High

High

DP6

Large

Negligible

Substantial

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C16

Asian House

Medium

Medium

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C17

Chung Nam Building

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C18

Fleet House, Harcourt House

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C19

Telecom House, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Harbour View International House

Medium

Medium

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C20

Shui On Centre

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C21

Central Plaza

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C22

Grand Hyatt Hotel

High

High

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C23

Renaissance Harbour View Hotel

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C24

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

High

High

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C25

Great Eagle Centre

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C26

Harbour Centre

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C27

China Resources Building

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C28

Sun Hung Kai Centre

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C30

Sino Plaza

Low

Low

DP6

Intermediate

Slight

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C31

World Trade Centre

Low

Low

DP6

Intermediate

Slight

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C32

Excelsior Hotel

Low

Low

DP6

Intermediate

Slight

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C33

The Park Lane Hotel

Low

Low

DP6

Intermediate

Slight

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C34

Windsor House

Low

Low

DP6

Intermediate

Slight

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C35

19-31 Yee Wo Street

Low

Low

DP6

Intermediate

Slight

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C36

Citicorp Centre

Low

Low

DP6

Intermediate

Slight

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C37

Victoria Centre

Low

Low

DP6

Intermediate

Slight

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C38

Ocean Terminal

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C39

Star House

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C40

Peninsula Hotel

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C41

Sheraton Hotel

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C42

InterContinental Hotel

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C43

New World Centre and Hotel

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C44

Wing On Plaza

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C45

Shangri-La Hotel

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C46

Tsim Sha Tsui Centre

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C47

Empire Centre

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C48

Grand Stanford Harbour View Hotel

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C49

Nikko Hotel

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C50

Four Season Hotel

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C51

Harbour Plaza Metropolis

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C52

AIA Tower

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C53

Newton Hotel

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C54

Electric Centre

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C54A

Sea View Estate

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C58

Commercial Properties in the Secondary ZVI on the North Slopes of Hong Kong Island

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C/R1

Causeway Centre

Medium

Medium

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C/R2

160-169 Gloucester Road

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C/R3

210-226 Gloucester Road

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C/R4

Elizabeth House

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C/R5

Riviera Mansion

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C/R6

Prospect Mansion

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C/R7

Miami Mansion

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C/R8

Marco Polo Mansion

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C/R9

Victoria Park Mansion

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C/R10

Chesterfield Mansion

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C/R11

Greenfield Mansion

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C/R12

Properties fronting Causeway Road

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C/R13

Park Towers

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C/R14

Viking Garden

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C/R15

50-52 Hing Fat Street

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C/R16

Mayson Garden Building

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C/R17

Garden House

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C/R18

Belle House

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C/R19

Top Glory Tower

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C/R20

Hoi Kung Court

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C/R21

Hoi To Court

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C/R22

Hoi Deen Court

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C/R23

Pacific Place Complex

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

GIC1

General Post Office

Low

-

DP6

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

GIC2

City Hall

Medium

Medium

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

GIC3

PLA HQ at Tamar

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

GIC4

Hong Kong Police Force Headquarters, May House

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

GIC5

Revenue Tower

Medium

Medium

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

GIC6

Wan Chai Tower

Medium

Medium

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

GIC7

Police Officers’ Club

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

GIC8

Queen’s College

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

GIC9

Hing Fat Street Post Office

Low

Low

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

GIC10

Victoria Park School for the Deaf

Low

Low

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

GIC11

YMCA

High

High

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

GIC12

Electric Road Municipal Services Building

Low

Low

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

O1

Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space

Low

-

DP6

Intermediate

-

Moderate

-

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

O2

HKCEC Open Space

High

High

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

O3

HKCEC Extension Open Space and Promenade

High

High

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Substantial

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

O4

Renaissance Harbour View Plaza

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

O5

Central Plaza Open Space

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

O6

Wanchai Sports Ground

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

O7

Tunnel Approach Rest Garden

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

O8

Victoria Park

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

O9

Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront Promenade

High

High

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

O10

Hill-walkers in the Secondary ZVI on the north slopes of Hong Kong Island

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

OU1

Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

R1

Residential Properties fronting Tung Lo Wan Road

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

R2

Residential Properties in the Secondary ZVI on the north slopes of Hong Kong Island

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

R4

Harbour Heights

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

R5

Residential Properties fronting King Wah Road

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

R6

City Garden

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

R7

Provident Centre

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

S1

Harbour Traffic

High

High

DP6

Intermediate

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

T1

Wanchai North Road Network – vehicular, pedestrian

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

T2

Gloucester Road Corridor – vehicular, pedestrian

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

T3

Island Eastern Corridor

Low

Low

DP6

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

* C = Commercial, C/R = Commercial/Residential, GIC = Government/Institution/Community, O = Open space, OU = Other use, R = Residential, S = Sea-borne travellers, T = Transport related (land).


10.10           Conclusion

10.10.1       The proposed development and associated works follow in principle the planning intentions from the Metroplan, Visions and Goals for Victoria Harbour prepared by Town Planning Board and the views of the public received during the engagement exercises of the HER that was carried out under the steer of HEC Sub-committee on WDII Review.  In respond to the CFA judgment on the PHO, the extent of reclamation has been reduced to the minimum.  With the new waterfront development proposals together with enhanced connectivity to the waterfront from the hinterland and east-west linkages along the northshore, the landscape planning framework of the waterfront from Wan Chai to North Point is strengthened and reinforced by the proposed project.

10.10.2       A twin submarine cross-harbour watermains from Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui will be constructed in Victoria Harbour.  It is considered that the residual impacts on Victoria Harbour are slight during construction with mitigation measures and insubstantial during operation phase.

10.10.3       With implementation of mitigation measures during construction, there will still be some insubstantial to slight negative visual impact on the VSRs in the front row of high rise buildings along the waterfront from Central to North Point.  Residual impacts VSRs further away the Victoria Harbour and from the hinterland will become insubstantial.  During operation, there will be no impact on VSRs as the cross-harbour water mains will be underneath the harbour.