AECOM was commissioned by the Planning Department in 2015 as the lead consultant to develop a sustainable masterplan as well as harbourfront enhancement proposals for the 3.8-kilometer-long waterfront along Wan Chai and North Point for future implementation. This plan aims to transform the districts into vibrant, sustainable, and accessible spots for public enjoyment.
Over the years, land use along the Victoria Harbourfront has been evolving to adapt to the changing dynamics of the harbour and its surroundings. As Wan Chai became an exhibition and commercial hub, opportunities to enhance connectivity and offer leisure and recreational activities within Hong Kong Island presented themselves. A unique potential for redefining waterfront usage in areas like the Ex-Public Cargo Working Area and the Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter emerged, emphasizing the significance of the magnificent Victoria Harbour.
Dynamic master layout plan featuring five precincts with unique characters
Our sustainable master plan aimed to give a facelift to the harbourfront, reconnecting people with the water and creating a vibrant, walkable space. Five precincts, each with their own design themes and diverse experiences, have been proposed to articulate and integrate with the existing New Central Harbourfront and the under-construction Boardwalk beneath the Island Eastern Corridor, as well as various interfacing infrastructure, local heritage, and key public facilities. This comprehensive approach is intended to revitalize these key areas of the Victoria Harbor waterfront, ensuring their continued relevance in shaping Hong Kong’s urban landscape for the future.
Subsequent implementations have transformed the Wan Chai North and North Point promenades into popular leisure spaces, such as the Wan Chai Pier harbourfront area and Fortress Hill East Coast Park, which are now fully open for public use.
Design strategies for invigorating the harbourfront for a sustainable and vibrant community
The adopted design principles have breathed new life into the harbourfront, enhancing its vibrancy and appeal to the local community by focusing on diverse activities and facilities, adaptable design, leveraging blue and green resources, and incorporating smart, sustainable elements to foster a water-friendly culture and a green environment.
- Public leisure ground: Facilitates local and international water sports events across 1.3 hectares of land and 2.5 hectares of water in the Wan Chai ex-Public Cargo Working Area
- Shared-use zone: Accommodates all users, including cyclists, ensuring design flexibility and promoting a collaborative environment
- Community parks and roof-top landscaping on top of Wan Chai-Central Bypass: Provides pedestrian walkway, leisure bicycle trails, interactive water features, and optimized, multi-purpose lawn space
- Broad tree survey: Retains existing trees where possible, with detailed investigations planned for the development stage
This transformative project serves as a testament to our effort in developing sustainable and dynamic urban spaces in Hong Kong that positively impact the community.