Social News
Written by: Huang Weilun
2021-04-20 17:58
Last update date: 2021-04-20 17:59
The Cheung Chau Ferry Terminal was completed in the 1970s and has a history of more than 40 years. It has witnessed the changes in Cheung Chau in recent years.
As the years go by, in addition to the aging of the terminal, the equipment may not be sufficient to meet today's needs.
In 2019, the government studied the reconstruction of the Cheung Chau Pier and recently submitted a document to the District Council stating that the location adjacent to the Cheung Chau Plant of the Water Supplies Department was initially designated as the site for the redevelopment of the pier. It described the proposal as having the lowest cost and the highest benefit; the authorities will build a new pier again. Platforms are built on both sides to provide parking spaces for bicycles.
As for the existing wharf, according to the webpages of the Civil Engineering and Development Department and the consultant company, due to the ageing structure of the wharf, the cost-effectiveness of the retention is doubtful. It is believed that the water area can be freed up for use by ships after the demolition.
+10
+10
+10
The Transport Department and the Land Development Department submitted a document to the Islands District Council, stating that about 20,000 passengers use Cheung Chau Ferry Pier to travel to and from Cheung Chau and the urban area or other outlying islands every day. During peak holiday periods, there are 5,000 passengers per hour, which is close to saturation.
The department also pointed out that the structure of the wharf is also aging, and the public expects to be rebuilt to meet demand.
As early as 2019, the government commissioned a consulting company, Arup, to carry out a feasibility study on the redevelopment of the wharf. At that time, four options were proposed, including the original site reconstruction, the Cheung Chau factory near the Water Supplies Department, the loading and unloading area in front of the Cheung Chau Municipal Building, and the proximity to Buddhism. The location of Master Huiyin Memorial Middle School.
In the following two years, the document stated that the opinions of different stakeholders have been consulted. On the whole, the stakeholders support the redevelopment of the pier.
The difference between the new terminal and the existing terminal is 1 to 2 minutes
After comprehensive opinions and technical research and judgment results, the Department initially believes that the location near the Cheung Chau Plant of the Water Supplies Department is the most suitable site for redevelopment and best meets the expectations of stakeholders.
The agency explained that the site is close to the existing wharf, it only takes 1 to 2 minutes to walk, and the project will not affect the daily operation of the existing wharf during the construction period, and there is no need to build a temporary wharf. Moreover, the scheme has the shortest construction period, the lowest cost, and the highest benefit.
The Department continued that the location of the proposed new pier is a certain distance from the existing Cheung Chau Public Pier (non-ferry pier), which can provide more space for ships and enhance navigation safety.
▼Pros and cons of the original 4 reconstruction plans▼
In addition to building a new wharf, the department also proposed to build platforms on both sides of the new wharf to provide bicycle parking spaces to meet the needs of the public and to improve the current crowded bicycle parking on the street.
As for the wharf, the department is considering adding smart and environmentally-friendly equipment, such as renewable energy and ship charging facilities; and will make the best use of the floor area of the wharf to provide more public space when designing it.
The webpages of the Land Development Department and the consulting company reveal more details of the study.
The new terminal will have 4 berths for regular ferry services, including routes from Central to Cheung Chau, cross-water crossing, and provision of additional flights or temporary berths.
In addition, there is a larger waiting space in the terminal, and passengers can wait for the ship in the terminal.
As for how to deal with the existing wharf, the webpage stated that due to the aging of the wharf structure, maintenance work and costs are increasing day by day, and it is considered cost-effective that it can free up water for ships after the demolition.
The department expects that the study will be completed in 2021. The next phase will start the exploration, design and legal procedures for the reconstruction project, and strive to start the project as soon as possible.
Easter 2021 | Cheung Chau Holiday House refers to Wangding’s lack of wealth, overnight guests lament the high rent
New crown pneumonia | Cheung Chau Tau Chung, Fanling residents swim outside the East Bay Shark Prevention Net: Go home first
The smallest in Hong Kong!
The government studies the expansion of the Changzhou Ferry Terminal and the township committee advocates adding two more berths to the Changzhou Ferry Terminal
Guardian of Cheung Chau Wharf for 40 years, Wharf Inspector Zong Ge: I hope the wharf will be expanded one day
【Pictures】The declining generation shipyard with four people
Owner of the twilight shipyard in the replenishment industry: the times are phasing out us
01News
Civil Engineering and Development Department, Cheung Chau Transport Department