ZIM CITY

Pushing the restart button

Paul Zimmerman on the Invigorate Island South initiative

In the 2020 Policy Address, the Government announced it will implement the “Invigorating Island South” initiative to develop the Southern District into a place “full of vibrancy, vigour and velocity” for people “to work, live, explore new ideas and have fun.” While the majority of the proposals focus around Aberdeen Harbour, they also include converting the ex-Shek O quarry into a water sports centre for Tai Tam Bay.

The threat of COVID-19 has taken a heavy toll on economic activities and jobs in Hong Kong. The challenges faced by Ocean Park, Jumbo Restaurant, and the risk of idling investments in the Fullerton Hotel and Water World facilities are high. Local residents are impacted directly. Close to 50 percent of the jobs in the Southern District are taken up by local residents. The majority of jobs are in the area around Aberdeen Harbour. Some 20 percent of the local working population is employed in the district.

The opportunities are equally significant. The area will be served by six MTR stations in the future (Aberdeen and Tin Wan will be added to Ocean Park, Wong Chuk Hang, Ap 36 | SOUTHSIDE

Lei Chau and South Horizon). By expanding the Aberdeen Harbour with new breakwaters we can sharply increase the number of marine related jobs. New sea routes can help better link up the southside waterfront and island destinations. The old industrial properties of Tin Wan and Wong Chuk Hang can be redeveloped. The top side of the Wong Chuk Hang station will increase the population. The fish market is an obvious target for revitalisation.

Modernisation of the ship yards is key. Pedestrianisation would boost the attraction of Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau town centres. These actions are not new for the District Council, for years we have pushed these and other projects to boost the economy and the attraction of the Southside for residents and visitors.

Implementation is key. The Planning Department’s Focus Study on Aberdeen Harbour in 2001 and the 2006 Tourism Commission Fishermen’s Wharf studies led to little to nothing. Since 2015 we proposed to set up District Development Offices based on the success of the Energizing Kowloon East office. The promise in the Policy Address that the Southside will get its own development office under the Development Bureau to coordinate and implement the projects is the single most important step to realising “Invigorate Island South” initiatives.

Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, a Southern District Councillor and the co-convenor of Save Our Country Parks alliance.