W O RD S: IA N BROW NL EE
In August 2019 a Members Forum was held on the ‘Future of Middle Island’. It outlined some of the issues which needed to be addressed and indicated a way forward. Members made suggestions and comments which have been taken into consideration. Following that meeting the Middle Island and Shelter Cove Development Working Group (DWG) was established in November 2019 and has overseen the progress of the studies and investigations and has regularly reported to General Committee.
A
n important stage has now been reached and it was our intention to have another Members Forum in early 2022, but the Covid restrictions have not made that possible. To keep members informed this article addresses Middle Island, while another article by Lucy Sutro provides details on the Opening Up Schemes that need to be put in place. But first some background on Middle Island. SUPER TYPHOON MANGKHUT Super Typhoon Mangkhut hit Hong Kong on the 16 September 2018 and caused severe damage at Middle Island. Much of the impact was recorded on CCTV, and the water level from the storm surge was above the level of the existing hardstanding as is shown in Photo 1. After the storm the extent of damage on the hardstanding and inside the rowing Boathouse could be seen (Photos 2 and 3). Almost all of the boats in these locations needed to be replaced and there was physical damage to the buildings. The cost was in excess of $10 million and activities were disrupted for more than 3 months. An initial analysis of the impact of the typhoon indicated that boats and buildings located at a height above approximately 5.0m above principal datum (mPD) were not affected. The existing Boathouse and hardstanding are only at approximately 4.00mPD and will often be subject to storm surge impact as the effects of climate change become more prevalent. This needs to be seriously addressed when looking at the future of Middle Island. Also other inadequacies of the existing facilities need to be improved. LEASE CONDITIONS The land status at Middle Island is quite complex. The Club House and the “old”
From top: CCTV of hardstanding during typhoon Mangkhut; Damage on the hardstanding; Damage inside the rowing Boathouse APRIL 2022 AHOY! |
15
Feature | Middle Island Water Sports Training Centre: Progress
Middle Island Water Sports Training Centre: Progress
