Central and Wan Chai Reclamation

Background

After the completion of the Central and Wan Chai Reclamation Feasibility Study in 1989, the then Land Development Policy Committee endorsed a concept of gradual implementation of the reclamation. The reclamation consists of three district development cells separated by parks, namely, Central, Tamar and Exhibition. These development cells were further divided into five phases.

Project Scope & Objectives

The proposed reclamation extends along the waterfront from Sheung Wan to Causeway Bay. The broad objectives of the project, inter alia, include :

	to provide land for the Hong Kong Station and the extended overrun tunnel of the Airport Railway;
	to provide land for Central-Wan Chai Bypass and Island Eastern Corridor Link;
	to provide land for the future Shatin to Central Link;
	to provide land for the future North Hong Kong Island Line;
	to improve the environment of adjoining crowded districts by providing additional open space on the new reclamation; and
	to integrate the development with the existing areas.

The reclaimed land above the underground transport infrastructure could be used to construct a world class waterfront promenade.

Progress & Programme

At present three projects are completed, viz :-

	Central Reclamation Phase I (an Airport Core Programme project accommodating the Hong Kong Station of the Airport Railway) The Central Reclamation Phase I formed land of 20 hectares by reclamation to provide the site for the Airport Railway Hong Kong Station. The remaining newly formed land is for general development and the reprovisioning of piers, cooling water pumphouses and other facilities displaced by the reclamation. Works commenced in September 1993 and were completed in June 1998.
	Central Reclamation Phase II (Tamar Basin Reclamation ) The Central Reclamation Phase II formed land of 5.3 hectares, mainly by the reclamation of the Tamar Basin. Works commenced in December 1994 and were completed in September 1997.
	Wan Chai Reclamation Phase I (Island Reclamation for the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Extension) Wan Chai Reclamation Phase I includes the formation of an island of 7.0 hectares by reclamation at the northern side of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to provide land for building an extension to the Centre. The island configuration is to ensure that water quality in the vicinity remained at acceptable levels after reclamation was completed. Works commenced in March 1994 and were completed in July 1997.

In addition to the above completed works, the remaining two projects are:

Central Reclamation Phase III Central Reclamation Phase III comprises a new reclamation joining the Central Reclamation Phase I to Wan Chai Development Phase II near Lung King Street. This reclamation is required to accommodate the Airport Railway extended overrun tunnel, the North Hong Kong Island Line, Central-Wan Chai Bypass and the Road P2 network. On the land above the proposed bypass, a continuous waterfront promenade will also be provided to create an attractive urban environment. Works commenced in February 2003 and are scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2011.

Wan Chai Development Phase II Wan Chai Development Phase II extends along the waterfront from the Central Reclamation Phase III to Causeway Bay. This project together with Central Reclamation Phases I, II and III will mainly provide land for the construction of the Central-Wan Chai Bypass and the Island Eastern Corridor Link, the Hong Kong Island section of the Shatin to Central Link and the North Hong Kong Island Line and for enhancing the harbour-front. Having considered the unresolved objections, the Chief Executive in Council authorized the reclamation and the road schemes without modification on 19 May 2009. The project was approved by the Legislative Council Finance Committee on 3 July 2009 for upgrading to Category A. The construction works have commenced in end 2009 for envisaged completion in 2017.