Report & Toolkit
Technical Assistance Report (TAP) Report
2021
ULI Hong Kong’s Technical Assistance Panel | Hong Kong SAR, China | 28 August
Hong Kong: Activating Underutilised Urban Open Spaces for Sustainability in Hong Kong
Report Summary
A TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PANEL (TAP) brings the expertise of the ULI membership and the real estate community together to collaborate to find solutions for complex land use, development, and development projects. TAPs are part of the ULI Advisory Services programme and are run by local chapters of the organization. Over intensive working sessions, experts address key questions about a specific development issue or policy barrier within a defined geographic area. Panelists often tour the study area, meet with stakeholders, and collaborate to produce an initial report of findings. The process may vary pending on the nature of the project and the issues to address. The objective is to provide a solution and a roadmap for success.
Following the mapping exercise during Stage 1, a total of 110 sites on the northern part of the Hong Kong Island from Kennedy Town to Quarry Bay were identified by a group of university students and young professionals. A panel of 10 experts was formed as the core group to shortlist 10 sites as case studies for the TAP Workshop.
At the TAP workshop on 28 August 2021, over 40 experts and professionals gathered to discuss ways to activate the 10 underutilised urban open spaces of seven typical urban typologies in Hong Kong. The participants were divided into five multidisciplinary groups, and each group was assigned two sites to work on greening, designing, and activating the spaces. A very interactive and dynamic session to brainstorm ideas on what could be done. Sketches were made to illustrate different concepts. The workshop ended on a high note with the groups debating why their respective schemes should be considered for fundraising and activation.
10 Case Studies
1. Alley of Yik Tam Street, Happy Valley
2. Corner Outside Times Square, Causeway Bay
3. Footbridge with Dark Underspace, Possession Street, Sheung Wan
4. Gap site on Ventris Road, Happy Valley
5. Hill Road Flyover, Kennedy Town
6. Ladder Street Lot with Metal Roof, Sheung Wan
7. Rest Area with Chairs, Kennedy Road, Wan Chai
8. Smithfield Walk, Kennedy Town
9. Vacant Lot Next to Lai Tak Tsuen, Tai Hang
10. Viewing Area along Hiking Trail, Bowen Road, Wanchai
Three of the 10 case studies have been selected by the panel for possible activation. They demonstrate a variety of typologies and activation strategies for urban open spaces in Hong Kong.
Toolkit
Summary
This toolkit serves as a resource that provides the fundamentals of best practices and international case studies for the private and public sectors to activate underutilized open spaces. It aims to
- Help communities and private owners understand the value of green open spaces;
- Summarize approaches for creating and activating these spaces while incorporating sustainability and social equity; and
- Describe funding and maintenance strategies for the private sector and the city to support new or enhanced park space.
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