Public Overwhelmingly Opposes Hong Kong Flower Market Redevelopment Plan
In a stunning revelation, the Town Planning Board (TPB) of Hong Kong announced that a staggering 88% of submissions received regarding the proposed redevelopment of the historic flower market were in opposition to the scheme. The TPB disclosed this information in a report published last Wednesday, shedding light on the public’s resounding disapproval of the controversial project.
Voices of Dissent
During a two-month period of public inspection from mid-August to mid-October, the TPB received a total of 767 representations. Of these, a whopping 674 were firmly against the redevelopment, while only 70 showed support for the plan. Additionally, 13 submissions expressed both support and opposition to the scheme, reflecting the complexity and divisiveness of the issue at hand.
Concerns and Criticisms
Critics of the flower market redevelopment, spearheaded by the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) last March, have raised valid concerns about the detrimental impact of the project. Former chief executive Leung Chin-ying, lawmaker Doreen Kong, residents, florists, and members of the community have united to form a concern group advocating against the development.
The proposed scheme entails uprooting more than 200 trees, affecting 33 flower shops, and repurposing vast amounts of public land for the construction of shopping malls and residential high-rises. This transformation threatens to erode the unique charm and historical significance of the century-old commercial enclave, prompting widespread dissent and apprehension among stakeholders.
Government’s Stance and Expert Insights
Despite the overwhelming opposition from the public, the government’s Planning Department has staunchly defended the development scheme, asserting that it should not be amended to accommodate the representations. The department maintains that the proposal strikes a delicate balance between meeting redevelopment needs and preserving the essence of the Flower Market.
However, experts like Chan Kim-ching from the Liber Research Community have cast doubt on the URA’s ability to safeguard the cultural heritage and vibrancy of the flower market through redevelopment. Drawing parallels with past projects like Wedding Card Street, which failed to preserve a historic community, Chan underscores the challenges of convincing the public and merchants of the project’s purported benefits.
In light of the contentious nature of the flower market redevelopment plan and the deep-seated opposition it has engendered, the fate of this iconic landmark hangs in the balance. As stakeholders gear up for crucial meetings with the TPB to present their views and influence the decision-making process, the future of Hong Kong’s beloved flower market remains uncertain. Will public sentiment prevail, or will the allure of modernization overshadow heritage preservation? Only time will tell.
