Letters | Plan Hong Kong harbourfront to reflect city’s own spirit, not copy Darling or anywhere else

Rather than focusing on adding cafes, and arts and cultural attractions to emulate others, planners should work on developing the project’s unique character

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People relax on a public pier in Hong Kong in May 2018. The popularity of “Instagram Pier”, essentially a casual, open space where people can unwind, offers a clue on what Hong Kong people want from their harbourfront. Photo: AFP

Published: 6:00am, 18 Mar 2021Updated: 10:29am, 19 Mar 2021

I write in reference to the article “Hong Kong’s harbourfront in Central could be on par with Sydney with the right blend of cafes, arts and cultural attractions, says designer” (March 10). Given that Hong Kong has been waiting for close to two decades for its harbourfront transformation, must the city only aspire for the sameness of Darling Harbour’s cafes and cultural attractions?

The recent public outrage due to the closure of the Western District Public Cargo Working Area, aka Instagram Pier, points to the demands of the public.

In essence, Instagram Pier is no more than a vast open space allowing people to watch the sea, cycle, fish or a walk a dog at any time. It is not well-developed, but it is more free and down-to-earth as a result. The casual atmosphere attracts people the most, allowing Hongkongers to genuinely relax.

What would be the difference between the harbourfront in Central and other waterfront parks or reconstructed art spaces, such as The Mills, if it is just full of more cafes and arts destinations?

While I enjoy a cafe as much as the next person, surely there must be a saturation point. In my opinion, the planning of the harbourfront in Central should be embedded in Hong Kong’s persona, rather than simply copying so-called global model cases.

Avery Chan, Kwun Tong