Govt Wants A Romantic Touch For Harbourfront Sites

The government wants to tag harbourfront spots like Tsim Sha Tsui and Tai Kok Tsui as "romantic dating spots" or "artistic photo-shooting locations".

So the Development Bureau is hiring a consultant – to suggest ways to enhance the visitor experience in the two areas.

The bureau said on Monday that the themes need to highlight local characteristics and attract visitors. Other proposed themes include "backyard in the vicinity" and "best fireworks viewing site".

The consultant should also suggest ways to improve the accessibility of the two waterfront areas by, for example, improving signage or putting in extra street facilities to make it easier and safer for people to get there, the bureau said.

But after a meeting of the Harbourfront Commission, member Vincent Ng said a study should be conducted on how facilities like this are designed and operated in other parts of the world.

Another member, Ivan Ho, agreed. He also said the changes should not just be cosmetic and should be substantial enough for people to feel the changes.

Ho doubted if residents in areas like nearby Tai Kok Tsui could be attracted to the harbourfront. There are a number of private estates in the area that offer club houses with facilities like swimming pools, he pointed out.