Eastern Section of East Coast Boardwalk Opens Tomorrow, Completing 13km Harbourfront Link on Hong Kong Island

Final Kilometre of East Coast Boardwalk to open tomorrow connecting 13 km long harboufront on Hong Kong Island

The Eastern Section of the East Coast Boardwalk in North Point will open to the public at 6am tomorrow (December 29), marking the last kilometre to connect the approximately 13 kilometre long harbourfront on Hong Kong Island, from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan, fulfilling one of the visions of harbourfront developments.

Spanning some 2.2 kilometres underneath the Island Eastern Corridor, the East Coast Boardwalk is divided into the eastern and western sections, each with a length of 1.1 kilometres. The Western Section, connecting the East Coast Park and the North Point Promenade, was opened earlier this year, and has been well received by the public. The Eastern Section, opening tomorrow, will further connect the North Point Promenade to Hoi Yu Street in Quarry Bay, realising the vision of "Seamless Boardwalk Linking Island West and East".

Similar to the Western Section, the Eastern Section will be open 24 hours a day (except for the experiential glass observatory deck), and will offer a number of special features, including:

• An experiential glass observatory deck, providing visitors with direct views of the harbour beneath the Boardwalk.The observatory deck will be open from 10am to 6pm daily. It will be temporarily closed in case of adverse weather.Visitors entering the observatory deck will be required to wear shoe covers provided on site, mainly for safety purpose and for protection of the glass surface;

• A pet-friendly area near Tin Chiu Street, allowing visitors and their leashed pets to relax and play before heading to the Boardwalk to enjoy the view of the Victoria Harbour.Kiosks and multi-purpose space with provision of food and beverages are expected to open in the area in the first quarter of next year;

• A number of multi-functional open spaces for hosting exhibitions, art and community activities upon application.Several local artists have been invited to enliven these spaces with art installations, as well as to showcase graphics of marine life and the Eastern District mascot "Dong Dong" visiting popular attractions in the District on the bridge piers; and

• A small plaza at the eastern end of the Boardwalk near Quarry Bay, along with a widened footpath at Hoi Yu Street to improve accessibility.

Similar to the Western Section, the Eastern Section adopts the management approach of a Harbourfront Shared Space and a pet-friendly venue. It features a shared path for visitors to engage in activities, such as strolling, jogging and cycling, while also providing a dedicated walkway for pedestrians as an additional option. Pet owners and their leashed pets can enjoy the facilities together. A movable bascule bridge has also been installed near Man Hong Street to facilitate marine operations.

The five access points to the Eastern Section (see Annex) are listed below from west to east:

• Turn right from Shu Kuk Street towards North Point Promenade (about a 4-minute walk from Exit A1 of North Point MTR Station);

• Via a pedestrian ramp at Java Road adjacent to the North Point Vehicular Ferry Pier (about a 5-minute walk from Exit A1 of North Point MTR Station);

• Via a link bridge from Man Hong Street (about a 8-minute walk from Exit A1 of North Point MTR Station);

• Via a link bridge from Healthy Street East (about a 5-minute walk from Exit C of Quarry Bay MTR Station; a stair lift for wheelchair users will be installed in the third quarter next year); and

• Via Hoi Yu Street (about a 5-minute walk from Exit C of Quarry Bay MTR Station).

An additional access point with a lift and staircase next to Tin Chiu Street Playground will be available in the first quarter of next year.

Final Kilometre of East Coast Boardwalk to open tomorrow connecting 13 km long harboufront on Hong Kong Island Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Final Kilometre of East Coast Boardwalk to open tomorrow connecting 13 km long harboufront on Hong Kong Island Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Final Kilometre of East Coast Boardwalk to open tomorrow connecting 13 km long harboufront on Hong Kong Island Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Final Kilometre of East Coast Boardwalk to open tomorrow connecting 13 km long harboufront on Hong Kong Island Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Final Kilometre of East Coast Boardwalk to open tomorrow connecting 13 km long harboufront on Hong Kong Island Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Final Kilometre of East Coast Boardwalk to open tomorrow connecting 13 km long harboufront on Hong Kong Island Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Final Kilometre of East Coast Boardwalk to open tomorrow connecting 13 km long harboufront on Hong Kong Island Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

ExCo Non-official Members congratulate successful launch of manned Shenzhou-23 spacecraft

The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:

Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) today (May 24) warmly congratulate the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship. They extend their highest respect to all crew members, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the first payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The Convenor of ExCo Non-official Members, Mrs Regina Ip, said, "This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This mission is the first manned spaceflight during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and the first time a Hong Kong expert has participated, which is a truly momentous occasion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent with this invaluable opportunity to take part in the country's aerospace endeavours. Dr Lai has successfully undergone the rigorous selection and training process to become one of the country's fourth batch of astronauts, and China's fourth female astronaut to reach space, contributing Hong Kong's strength to the national aerospace endeavours. She has exemplified the Lion Rock spirit of rising to challenges with resilience and perseverance. Her courage and determination are truly admirable, and all Hong Kong citizens are immensely inspired and proud of her. The understanding and support of her family are also essential for her to participate in this mission with resolution. I am deeply grateful for their support and commitment.

"The HKSAR Government is actively developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre and supporting promising research projects through various funding schemes. As an example, the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) camera, developed under a project led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and funded by the Government's Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology, has successfully arrived at China's Tiangong Space Station, becoming Hong Kong's first scientific payload aboard the station. This fully demonstrates Hong Kong's innovation and technology edge and talent advantages."

Non-official Members of the Executive Council expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the country for its high recognition of Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent, development and achievements, as well as its profound emphasis, care and support for Hong Kong's scientific and technological development. They firmly believe that the HKSAR Government will seize this historic moment to nurture more outstanding innovation and technology talent for the country and Hong Kong, and better integrate into and serve the country's overall development.

Source: AI-found images