Hong Kong seeks to turn To Kwa Wan waterfront into tourism hotspot channelling Sydney’s Darling Harbour

The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) managing director, Wai Chi-sing, said that the harbourfront development, which he dubbed the “Victoria Cove Area,” would also draw inspiration from the Aker Brygge promenade in Oslo.

Hong Kong’s urban redevelopment body is looking into redeveloping a Victoria Harbour waterfront area in eastern Kowloon into a tourism cove with restaurants and outdoor music venues.

In a blog post on Sunday, the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) managing director, Wai Chi-sing, said that the authority had begun a study on the possibility of developing To Kwa Wan into a world-class harbourfront development, which he dubbed the “Victoria Cove Area.”

Above: Sydney Cove. A 'Victoria Cove' would be a good place for a boat show!

Wai added that proposals for the waterfront development would have to comply with regulatory and licensing regimes, and would require technical impact assessments and consultations with stakeholders such as the government and barge operators.

Watersports should not interfere with shipping routes, and restaurants must have the appropriate licenses, he said.

A consultant has begun discussions with various government departments and is expected to submit a preliminary report and feasibility study to the URA in the second half of the year.

Meanwhile, recent legislative amendments loosening rules for creating new land through reclamation could make the development process easier, Wai said.

A map showing the study area for the To Kwa Wan development. Photo: URA.

On May 7, the Legislative Council passed a law making it easier for the government to create new land through reclamation in Victoria Harbour – despite objections from environmental activists.

The Development Bureau said it would allow fast-tracking smaller reclamation works measuring 0.8 hectares or less and would “enhance harbourfront areas for public enjoyment.”