Overview

Lung Tsun Stone Bridge (the Bridge) remnants were unearthed between the period of 2008 and 2009 during the archaeological investigations for the Kai Tak Development carried out by the Civil Engineering and Development Department.  The Bridge was built between 1873 and 1875 with a total length of about 200m.  At the landward end of the Bridge, there was a two-storey pavilion known as the “Pavilion for Greeting Officials” (the Pavilion).  A wooden extension of about 80 metres was added in 1892.  The Lok Sin Tong played a leading role in raising fund for the bridge extension.  In 1910, the timber extension of the Bridge was replaced by a concrete structure.
 
The landward portion of the Bridge, including the Pavilion was buried during the Kai Tak reclamation in 1924.  The surviving seaward portion of the Bridge continued in use until 1930s providing ferry services running among Hong Kong Island, Hung Hom and Kowloon City.  Subsequently both the Bridge and the Pier were demolished and buried under the new reclamation for Kai Tak Airport in 1942 during the Japanese occupation in World War II.
 
Given its historical significance, “in-situ preservation” of the bridge remnant was recommended under the approved Environmental Impact Assessment of Kai Tak Development.  The heritage assessment in the Conservation Management Plan prepared by the Antiquities and Monuments Office classifies the extant sections of the original Bridge and the Pavilion as high significance.  Nevertheless, the current Kai Tak Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) was approved before the remnants are unearthed.  The relevant part of OZP may need to be amended to make provisions for the preservation of the Bridge remnant.

The role the Kai Tak Office (KTO) is to lead and oversee the coordination and implementation of KTD within its intended timeframe. Arising from public aspirations for a quality design for KTD, the Head of KTO, H(KTO) is supported by a team of professional staff to oversee the progress of KTD and contribute directly and speedily in the design development of KTD to facilitate smooth implementation. To provide a clearer focus for public interaction, the H(KTO) will spearhead concerted efforts especially in the following areas –

  1. Centralised coordination for implementation of mega interfacing projects in and around KTD under a tight programme
  2. Close steering of the design development of KTD infrastructure works for public engagement/consultation
  3. Proactive enhancement of green features in KTD without compromising the implementation schedule
  4. Conservation of heritage and enhanced integration with the older parts of the district
  5. Taking forward the urban and landscape design to achieve the planning vision of KTD
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