The Government has all along endeavoured to further develop Tung Chung New Town (TCNT) into a more comprehensively planned community with sufficient ancillary facilities. Recently, I attended the completion ceremony of the Tung Chung East Promenade first phase improvement works and opening of the Tung Chung Community Liaison Centre (CLC). The first phase of the promenade is the waterfront area that was previously a construction site, whereas the CLC has taken up the space that was used as the site office. After full revitalisation, they will bring a whole new experience to local residents. This time, a colleague from the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) will share with us details of the promenade improvement works and the various facilities available in the CLC.

First phase of the promenade completed

Senior Engineer of the Sustainable Lantau Office (SLO) of the CEDD, Mr YUNG Sai-man, Gary, tells us that the Tung Chung East Promenade improvement works will be completed in three phases. The first phase of the promenade is about 70 metres long. After the handover of the site, the CEDD spent about six months to revitalise the previous site office into the CLC and build the adjoining promenade, now available for reservation by various organisations as a venue for different kinds of community activities. The second phase, about 85 metres long, is under construction and is expected to open to the public early next year. The third phase, about 230 metres long, will link the first phase promenade to the Tung Chung New Development Ferry Pier. Upon the handover of the site next June, the CEDD will commence construction works immediately. The third phase is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

Adopting an “incremental approach”

The project of Tung Chung East Promenade improvement works aims at providing the district with a new pedestrian-friendly waterfront promenade with greening space and cycle track, bringing about enhancement to the waterfront and at the same time strengthening connectivity. The waterfront promenade, about 400 metres in total length, can provide a cosy place for the public to get together. In view of public aspiration for early enjoyment of the Tung Chung East Promenade, we have adopted the “incremental approach” that was used to develop the harbourfront promenade and will open a section of the Tung Chung East Promenade to the public immediately after the completion of each phase.

Official opening of the CLC

Also, the CLC has already been open for public use and visit. Mr NG Wing-shun, Vincent, the architect responsible for the design of the CLC, says that the centre is constructed through renovation and modification of the previous site office. Regarding its design, to connect the centre to the waterfront promenade outside, he has specially replaced the metal walls on the ground floor of the previous office with transparent glass, so that visitors inside the centre can enjoy the scenery of the waterfront. Once they step inside the centre, they will see an enormous atrium with generous public space and plenty of natural light.

Exhibition zones in the CLC

Inside the CLC are a number of exhibition zones, with interactive exhibits and models showing visitors the SLO’s work on Lantau development and conservation, broadening their knowledge about the nature, culture as well as history of the island.

Mr Gary YUNG adds that visitors can get to know about Lantau's past, present and future in the “Time Tunnel” exhibition zone. In the Leisure Reading Area, visitors can check out books regarding Lantau's culture and history, digging into the past. There is also a thematic exhibition zone in the centre, which currently holds an exhibition titled "Encounter South Lantau". The exhibition showcases the culture and historical studies of Pui O, Shui Hau and nearby areas, and displays architectural designs of the students of Architecture on regenerative design in South Lantau.

Illustration of Lantau's future with Virtual Reality

Most impressive of all is the Cave Automatic Virtual Environment System, which puts visitors inside a 3-D visual space with a bird’s-eye view of the island’s natural scenery, or a simulation of the urban design of the Tung Chung New Town Extension. A large model of Lantau Island is placed in the centre, with videos showcasing the future development of Lantau. Currently, the CLC is open to visitors by appointment. As a way of sharing space with the community, the multi-purpose event space in the atrium and the meeting room on the first floor can also be reserved by non-governmental organisations or schools for organising activities.

The Government endeavours to develop and conserve Lantau. Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my gratitude to the Lantau Development Advisory Committee (LanDAC) members, the Islands District Council, the CEDD, the SLO and all other stakeholders for their continued contribution and support. For those of you visiting the CLC, take a walk along the first phase of the waterfront promenade, so that you can enjoy the beautiful sea view. I hope that the centre can serve as a new link for us to maintain our close connection with the community, building a sustainable Lantau together.

Legislative Council General Election

Let me mention in passing that it is less than a month before the Legislative Council General Election. Candidates have been visiting communities to rally support. Improving the city's electoral system is conducive to enhancing the effective governance of Hong Kong. The Government will give its full support to the election to be held on 19 December to make sure that it will be conducted in a fair, just, clean and orderly manner. I also appeal to electors to take part in the election and cast their votes.