Replies to initial written questions raised by Finance Committee Members in examining the Estimates of Expenditure 2012-13 Director of Bureau : Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Session No. 12 File name : cedb(cit)- doc
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- Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2012-13
Question : It is stated in the Budget Speech that the Administration will invest more heavily in our tourism infrastructure. Would the Administration advise us of the following: a) In 2011, apart from the plans to expand and improve the two major theme parks in Hong Kong, were there plans to explore and develop tourist attractions with local characteristics? If yes, what were the details, expenditure and staffing involved? If no, what were the reasons? b) In 2012-13, apart from developing new tourist attractions and upgrading the facilities of the two major theme parks in Hong Kong, are there plans to improve the existing tourist attractions and their facilities? If yes, what are the details of such plans, expenditure and staffing involved? If no, what are the reasons? Asked by : Hon. IP Wai-ming Reply : The continuous development and expansion of the two theme parks, as well as the construction of a world-class new cruise terminal at Kai Tak are major capital investment projects on the tourism front. On top of these large scale projects, we are also taking forward further enhancement of existing tourist attractions and facilities, including the Aberdeen Tourism Project, enhancement of the Lei Yue Mun waterfront, enhancement of the footbridges in Tsim Sha Tsui East, and development of a tourism node in Tsim Sha Tsui through integrating the planned piazza with the revitalisation of the Tsim Sha Tsui pier, so as to enrich the indigenous characteristics of these attractions. Details of these projects, their estimated expenditure and staffing involved are set out below: (i) Aberdeen Tourism Project The project scope includes carrying out the improvement works for the promenade on both sides of the Aberdeen Harbour as well as Ap Lei Chau Main Street and adjacent streets, with the theme of a traditional fishermen’s village. Works commenced in end September 2011 for completion in phases commencing from 2012 to 2014. The estimated total expenditure for the project is $288.1 million. The estimated expenditure in 2012-13 is $124.8 million. The staffing of the above project has been subsumed into the establishment of the Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch of this Bureau for 2012-13, and it is difficult to quantify the amount separately. (ii) Lei Yue Mun Waterfront Enhancement Project The scope of works includes the construction of a public landing facility, a breakwater, a waterfront promenade and a new viewing terrace, as well as other streetscape improvements along the Lei Yue Mun waterfront. The relevant works department is working on the required statutory procedures for gazettal of the project works under the Foreshore and Seabed (Reclamations) Ordinance, during which we received public views concerning the sewerage problem in Lei Yue Mun. To meet the concerns, the relevant department has already engaged a consultant to explore possible interim and long term measures for improvement of the sewerage handling facilities in the area. The consultant plans to consult the local community in the first quarter of this year. Subject to the completion of the statutory procedures and funding approval by the Finance Committee, the enhancement project is expected to commence earliest in end 2012 for phased completion from end 2013 onwards. The estimated total expenditure for the project is $228.05 million. The estimated expenditure in 2012-13 is $6.36 million. The staffing of the above project has been subsumed into the establishment of the Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch of this Bureau for 2012-13, and it is difficult to quantify the amount separately. (iii) Enhancement of Footbridges in Tsim Sha Tsui East The project aims to enhance the two existing footbridges across Mody Road and Salisbury Road in Tsim Sha Tsui East including refurbishment of the footbridges, replacement of the existing ramps with lifts, and associated works such as re-paving of footpaths. The Highways Department is keeping a close eye on the works. According to current progress, the works are expected to complete by end 2012. The estimated total expenditure for the project is $71.4 million. The estimated expenditure in 2012-13 is $29.376 million. The staffing of the above project has been subsumed into the establishment of the Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch of this Bureau for 2012-13, and it is difficult to quantify the amount separately. (iv) Development of a Tourism Node in Tsim Sha Tsui The Administration originally proposed to develop an open piazza at the harbourfront area adjacent to the Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) Star Ferry Pier, and to construct an adjacent turnaround which could accommodate a number of bus stops and a taxi stand. The works for the turnaround were gazetted in 2009 and 2010. Taking into account the public views received, the Administration has revisited the way forward for the piazza project, and proposes to adopt a new design concept that will integrate the piazza with the revitalisation of the TST Star Ferry Pier, so that the vicinity can be developed into a tourism node. Under the new design concept, we propose to expand the turnaround being planned into a new public transport interchange. The works for the expansion of the turnaround were gazetted in September 2011. We are following up with the views collected during the period of gazettal according to the statutory procedures, and are working on the design for the tourism node. When a more concrete design proposal is available, we will consult the relevant organizations and stakeholders. The project is still at the planning stage, and hence no expenditure will be incurred in 2012-13. The staffing of the above project has been subsumed into the establishment of the Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch of this Bureau for 2012-13, and it is difficult to quantify the amount separately.
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