7.             Landscape and visual Impact Assessment

Introduction

7.1          The assessment of potential landscape and visual impacts due to construction and operation of the Project is presented in this chapter. 

7.2          Landscape and visual impacts are assessed in accordance with the criteria and guidelines as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM) and the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) Guidance Note No.8/2010 on “Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance”. 

Scope and Content of the Study

Project Description

7.3          Under the Project, elements during the construction and operation phases that would cause potential landscape and visual impact include: 

a)      demolition of existing Kowloon Freight Building at Hung Hom Landfall;

b)      construction and operation of North Ventilation Building, Plant Rooms and Emergency Access (NOV) at Hung Hom Freight Terminal;

c)      demolition and re-provision of the existing Freight Pier in Hung Hom;

d)      construction of marine cofferdam (temporary reclamation involved) and associated works at Hung Hom Landfall;

e)      Immersed Tube Tunnel (IMT) construction across Victoria Harbour;

f)       construction of cut and cover tunnel for both land and marine section;

g)      construction and operation of the South Ventilation Shafts, Plant Rooms and Emergency Access (SOV) on the site of the Police Officers’ Club (POC).  This will entail the demolition and reconstruction of the POC located close to the Cross Harbour Tunnel Entrance;

h)      construction of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) tunnel shafts;

i)       demolition and re-provision of parts of the Wan Chai Sports Ground and temporary works areas between Exhibition Station (EXH) and SOV;

j)       construction and operation of underground EXH and associated entrances, plant buildings and ventilation shafts located at the east of the Hong Kong Convention Centre.  The construction of this will require demolition and re-provisioning of the Harbour Road Sports Centre and Wan Chai Swimming Pool (IGH/TP), and the demolition and re-provisioning of the existing Public Transport Interchange (PTI) located at the north of Great Eagle Complex;

k)      construction of cut and cover tunnels adjacent to the Hong Kong Convention Centre;

l)       temporary works sites between Admiralty Station (ADM) and the proposed EXH;

m)     construction and operation of Emergency Access Point (EAP) at Fenwick Street Children’s Playground;

n)      temporary works for demolition of pump house and piles removal of West Sewage Screening Plant;

o)      mucking out works, internal fitting-out, track laying works at ADM and some minor aboveground construction works at ADM;

p)      operation of ADM Ventilation Shafts, Transformer Bay and Cooling Tower at Harcourt Garden;

q)      mucking out works at Hong Kong Park Ventilation Building (HKB) and construction of superstructure and reinstatement works at HKB;

r)       operation of portion of HKB under the Project;

s)      barging points at Wanchai Promenade and Hung Hom Freight Pier; and

t)       temporary off-site works areas for IMT casting basin at Shek O.

7.4          Details of the Project are described in Chapter 3 of the Report.  

Assessment Area

7.5          The assessment area for landscape impact assessment includes all areas within a 100m distance from the Proposed SCL Alignment and of all works areas away from the Proposed SCL Alignment.  The assessment area for the visual impact assessment is defined by the visual envelope of the Project.  The landscape and visual impact study boundary is shown in Figure Nos. NEX2213/C/331/ENS/M54/001 to 002 and Figure Nos. NEX2213/C/331/ENS/M54/003 to 004 respectively.

Review of Planning Framework

7.6          Relevant outline development plan(s), outline zoning plan(s), layout plan(s) or planning briefs and studies which may identify areas of high landscape value and visually sensitive areas shall be reviewed.  The aim is to gain an insight of the future outlook of the affected area so as to assess whether the Project can fit into the surrounding setting.  Any conflict with statutory town plan(s) shall be highlighted and appropriate follow-up action shall be recommended.

Landscape Impact Assessment

7.7          The existing landscape resources and character within the assessment area are described, appraised, analyzed and evaluated.  A system is derived for judging landscape and visual impact significance as required under the Technical Memorandum.  The sensitivity of the landscape framework and its ability to accommodate change are particularly focused on.  The degree of compatibility of the Project with the existing and planned landscape setting is identified.  The landscape impact assessment evaluates the potential landscape impact so as to illustrate the significance of such impacts arising from the proposed Project.  Clear mapping of the baseline landscape resources, landscape character areas and the landscape impact are provided.

Visual Impact Assessment

7.8          The visual impacts of the projects are assessed.  For aboveground structures of the Project, clear illustrations including mapping of visual impact are provided.  The assessment adopts a systematic methodology and includes the following:

(i)         Identification and plotting of visual envelope of the proposed Project within the study area.

(ii)        Identification of the key groups of sensitive receivers within the visual envelope and their views at both ground level and elevated vantage points.

(iii)        Description of the visual compatibility of the Project with the surrounding and the planned setting, and its obstruction and interference with the key views of the adjacent areas.

(iv)       Description of the severity of visual impacts in terms of distance, nature and number of sensitive receivers.  The visual impacts of the Project with and without mitigation measures are included so as to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures.

 (v)       Clear evaluations and explanation with supportive arguments of all relevant factors considered in arriving at the significant thresholds of visual impact.

Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

7.9          The merit of preservation in total or in parts of existing landscape and the establishment of a new landscape character are evaluated.  Alternative construction methods and / or Project-related works or structure(s) that would avoid or reduce the identified landscape and visual impacts are considered and evaluated for comparison before adopting other mitigation or compensatory measures to alleviate the impacts.  The mitigation measures proposed are not only concerned with damage reduction but also included consideration of potential enhancement of the existing landscape and visual quality.  Mitigation measures to minimize the adverse effects identified above, including provision of a landscape design are recommended. 

7.10        The mitigation measures include the preservation of vegetation, transplanting of trees of high amenity value, provision of screen planting, roof greening, re-vegetation of disturbed lands, compensatory planting, re-provisioning of amenity areas and open spaces, aesthetic design of aboveground structure, provision of finishes to structure, colour scheme and texture of material used, minimization of additional land intake, sensitive design of station and related structures appropriate for the harbourfront setting, and any measures to mitigate the disturbance of the existing land use.  Parties are identified for the on-going management and maintenance of the proposed mitigation works to ensure their effectiveness throughout the operation phase of the Project.  A practical programme and funding proposal for the implementation of the recommended measures are provided.

Significance of Landscape and Visual Impact

7.11        Annotated illustration such as coloured perspective drawings, plans and section/elevation diagrams, oblique aerial photographs, photographs taken at vantage points and computer-generated photomontage are adopted where appropriate to illustrate the significance of the landscape and visual impacts of the aboveground ancillary structures of the Project.

Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

7.12        The following legislation, standards and guidelines are applicable to landscape and visual impact assessment associated with the construction and operation of the Project:

·                     Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap.499.S.16) (EIAO) and the EIAO-TM, particularly Annexes 10 and 18;

·                     EIAO Guidance Note 8/2010;

·                     Town Planning Ordinance (Cap 131);

·                     Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines;

·                     ETWB TC No. 25/92 - Allocation of Space for Urban Street Trees;

·                     ETWB TC No. 25/93 – Control of Visual Impact of Slopes;

·                     ETWB TC No. 17/2000 – Improvement to the Appearance of slopes in connection with ET WBTC 25/93;

·                     ETWB TC No. 30/2001 – Capital Works for Maintenance Works (including Tree Planting) Within or Adjacent to the Kowloon Canton Railway (Hong Kong) Section;

·                     ETWB TC No. 7/2002 – Tree Planting in Public Works;

·                     ETWB No. 36/ 2004 - Advisory Committee on the Appearance of Bridges and Associated Structures (ACABAS);

·                     ETWB TC(W) No. 13/2003A - Guidelines and Procedures for Environmental Impact Assessment of Government Projects and Proposals Planning for Provision of Noise Barriers;

·                     ETWB TC(W) No. 2/2004 - Maintenance of Vegetation and Hard Landscape Features;

·                     ETWB TC(W) No. 29/2004 - Registration of Old and Valuable Trees, and Guidelines for their Preservation;

·                     ETWB TC(W) No. 3/2006 - Tree Preservation;

·                     Land Administration Office Instruction (LAOI) Section D-12 - Tree Preservation;

·                     GEO Publication (1999) - Use of Vegetation as Surface Protection on Slopes;

·                     GEO 1/2000 - Technical Guidelines on Landscape Treatment and Bio-engineering of Man-made Slopes and Retaining Walls;

·                     Study on Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong; and

·                     General Circular No. 3/2010 Harbourfront Enhancement.

7.13        The Outline Zoning Plans (OZPs) gazetted under the Town Planning Ordinance provide the statutory framework for land use development.  The current OZPs relevant to the Project are as follows: -

·                     Approved Hung Hom (KPA 9) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/K9/24 (5.10.2010);

·                     Approved Tsim Sha Tsui (KPA 1) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/K1/26 (6.5.2011);

·                     Draft Central District (HPA 4) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/H4/13 (16.7.2010);

·                     Approved Central District (Extension) (HPA 24) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/H24/6 (17.12.2002);

·                     Approved Wan Chai North (HPA 25) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/H25/2 (19.5.2009);

·                     Draft Wan Chai (HPA 5) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/H5/26 (24.9.2010);     

·                     Draft Causeway Bay (HPA 6) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/H6/15 (17.9.2010); and

·                     Approved Tai Tam & Shek O (HPA 18) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/H18/10 (6.5.2008). 

7.14        Reference has been made to the following approved EIA reports: -

·                     EIA Report on Shatin to Central Link Protection Works at Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter (EIA-187/2010);

·                     EIA Report on South Island Line (East) (EIA-185/2010);

·                     EIA Report on West Island Line (EIA-153/2008);

·                     EIA Report on Central Reclamation Phase III – Studies, Site Investigation, Design and Construction, Territory Development Department (EIA-055/2001);

·                     EIA Report on Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Atrium Link Extension, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (EIA-120/2006); and

·                     EIA Report on Wan Chai Development Phase II and Central-Wan Chai Bypass (EIA-141/2007).

 

Assessment Methodology

7.15        The landscape impacts have been assessed according to the following procedures.

·                     Identification of the baseline landscape resources and landscape characters found within the study area.  This is achieved by site visits and desktop study of topographical maps, information databases and photographs. 

·                     Assessment of the degree of sensitivity of the landscape resources.  This is influenced by a number of factors including whether the resource/character is common or rare, whether it is considered to be of local, regional, national or global importance, whether there are any statutory or regulatory limitations/ requirements relating to the resource, the quality of the resource/character, the maturity of the resource and the ability of the resource/character to accommodate change. 

The sensitivity of each landscape feature and character area is classified as follows:

High:

Important landscape or landscape resource of particularly distinctive character or high importance, sensitive to relatively small change.

Medium:

Landscape or landscape resource of moderately valued landscape characteristics reasonably tolerant to change.

Low:

Landscape or landscape resource, the nature of which is largely tolerant to change.

·                     Identification of potential sources of landscape impacts.  These are the various elements of the construction works and operation procedures that would generate landscape impacts.

·                     Identification of the magnitude of landscape impacts.  The magnitude of the impact (or magnitude of change) depends on a number of factors including the physical extent of the impact, the landscape and visual context of the impact, the compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape; and the time-scale of the impact - i.e. whether it is temporary (short, medium or long term), permanent but potentially reversible, or permanent and irreversible.  Landscape impacts are quantified wherever possible.

The magnitude of landscape impacts is classified as follows:

Large:

The landscape or landscape resource would suffer a major change.

Intermediate:

The landscape or landscape resource would suffer a moderate change.

Small:

The landscape or landscape resource would suffer slight or barely perceptible change.

Negligible:

The landscape or landscape resource would suffer no discernible change.

·                     Identification of potential landscape mitigation measures.  These may take the form of adopting alternative designs or revisions to the basic engineering and architectural design to prevent and/or minimize adverse impacts; remedial measures such as colour and textural treatment of building features; and compensatory measures such as the implementation of landscape design measures to compensate for unavoidable adverse impacts and to attempt to generate potentially beneficial long term impacts.  A programme for the mitigation measures is provided.  The agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures are identified. 

·                     Prediction of the significance of landscape impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures.  By synthesizing the magnitude of the various impacts and the sensitivity of the various landscape resources, it is possible to categorise impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion.  Table 7.1 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely insubstantial, slight, moderate, and substantial, depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of impact and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of landscape resource /character. 

Table 7.1          Relationship between Landscape Sensitivity and Impact Magnitude in defining Impact Significance

Magnitude of Impact (Both Adverse and Beneficial Impact are assessed.)

Large

Moderate

Moderate / Substantial

Substantial

Intermediate

Slight / Moderate

Moderate

Moderate / Substantial

Small

Insubstantial / Slight

Slight / Moderate

Moderate

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

 

Low

Medium

High

Sensitivity of Landscape Resource and Landscape Character Area

Note:  All impacts are adverse unless otherwise noted with beneficial.

The significance of landscape impacts is categorized as follows:

Substantial:

Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality.

Moderate:

Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality.

Slight:

Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality.

Insubstantial:

No discernible change in the existing landscape quality.

·                     Prediction of Acceptability of Impacts.  An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM.

7.16        The assessment of visual impacts has involved the following procedures. 

·                     Identification of the Zones of Visual Influence (ZVI) during the construction and operation phases of the Project.  This is achieved by site visit and desktop study of topographic maps, photographs and preparation of cross-sections to determine visibility of the project from various locations.

·                     Identification of the Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) within the ZVIs at construction and operation phases.  These are the people who would reside within, work within, play within, or travel through, the ZVIs.

·                     Assessment of the degree of sensitivity of the VSRs.  Factors considered include:

Ø     the type of VSRs, which is classified according to whether the person is at home, at work, at play, or travelling.  Those who view the impact from their homes are considered to be highly sensitive as the attractiveness or otherwise of the outlook from their home will have a substantial effect on their perception of the quality and acceptability of their home environment and their general quality of life.  Those who view the impact from their workplace are considered to be only moderately sensitive as the attractiveness or otherwise of the outlook will have a less important, although still material, effect on their perception of their quality of life.  The degree to which this applies depends on whether the workplace is industrial, retail or commercial.  Those who view the impact whilst taking part in an outdoor leisure activity may display varying sensitivity depending on the type of leisure activity.  Those who view the impact whilst travelling on a public thoroughfare will also display varying sensitivity depending on the speed of travel.

Ø     other factors which are considered (as required by EIAO Guidance Note 8/2010) include the value and quality of existing views, the availability and amenity of alternative views, the duration or frequency of view, and the degree of visibility.

The sensitivity of VSRs is classified as follows:

High:

The VSR is highly sensitive to any change in their viewing experience.

Medium:

The VSR is moderately sensitive to any change in their viewing experience.

Low:

The VSR is only slightly sensitive to any change in their viewing experience.

·                     Identification of relative numbers of VSRs.  This is expressed in terms of whether there are “many“, “medium” and “few” VSRs in any one category of VSR.

·                     Identification of potential sources of visual impacts.  These are the various elements of the construction works and operation that would generate visual impacts. 

·                     Assessment of the potential magnitude of visual impacts.  Factors considered include:

Ø     the compatibility with the surrounding landscape,

Ø     the duration of the impact,

Ø     the reversibility of the impact,

Ø     the scale of the impact and distance of the source of impact from the viewer, and

Ø     the degree of visibility of the impact, and the degree of which the impact dominates the field of vision of the viewer.

The magnitude of visual impacts is classified as follows:

Large:

The VSRs would suffer a major change in their viewing experience.

Intermediate:

The VSRs would suffer a moderate change in their viewing experience.

Small:

The VSRs would suffer a small change in their viewing experience.

Negligible:

The VSRs would suffer no discernible change in their viewing experience.

·                     Identification of potential visual mitigation measures.  These may take the form of adopting alternative designs or revisions to the basic engineering and architectural design to prevent and/or minimize adverse impacts; remedial measures such as colour and textural treatment of building features; tree planting to screen the proposed aboveground structures, integration of new station works with the existing Hung Hom Station and minimization of additional land intake and sensitive station design appropriate for the harbourfront setting.  A programme for the mitigation measures is provided.  The agencies responsible for the implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures are identified. 

·                     Prediction of the significance of visual impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures.  By synthesizing the magnitude of the various visual impacts and the sensitivity of the VSRs, and the numbers of VSRs that are affected, it is possible to categorise the degree of significance of the impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion.  Table 7.2 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely, insubstantial, slight, moderate and substantial, depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of impact and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of VSRs. 

Table 7.2          Relationship between Visual Receptor Sensitivity and Impact Magnitude in defining Impact Significance

 Magnitude of Impact (Both Adverse and Beneficial Impact are assessed.)

Large

Moderate

Moderate / Substantial

Substantial

Intermediate

Slight / Moderate

Moderate

Moderate / Substantial

Small

Insubstantial / Slight

Slight / Moderate

Moderate

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

 

Low

Medium

High

Sensitivity of Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

Note:  All impacts are adverse unless otherwise noted with beneficial.

The significance of visual impacts is categorized as follows:

Substantial:

Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality.

Moderate:

Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality.

Slight:

Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality.

Insubstantial:

No discernible change in the existing visual quality.

·                     Prediction of Acceptability of Impacts.  An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM.

Review of Planning Control Framework

7.17        A review of the existing and planned development framework for the proposed works and for the surroundings has been considered.  It aims to gain an insight to the outlook of the area affected, identify potential resources and sensitive receivers and evaluate the compatibility between the Project and the existing and planned landuse setting. 

7.18        The study area is covered by Approved Hung Hom (KPA 9) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/K9/24 (5.10.2010), Approved Tsim Sha Tsui (KPA 1) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/K1/26 (6.5.2011), Draft Central District (HPA 4) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/H4/13 (16.7.2010), Approved Central District (Extension) (HPA 24) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/H24/6 (17.12.2002), Approved Wan Chai North (HPA 25) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/H25/2 (19.5.2009), Draft Wan Chai (HPA 5) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/H5/26 (24.9.2010), Draft Causeway Bay (HPA 6) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/H6/15 (17.9.2010) and Approved Tai Tam & Shek O (HPA 18) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/H18/10 (6.5.2008).  The review of OZPs has not only included a review of the plans, but also the ‘Notes’ and “Explanatory Statements’ which accompany these plans. The proposed development are overlaid on the affected OZPs are shown in Figure Nos. NEX2213/S/331/ENS/M54/010 to 014.

7.19        NOV is currently located within the Other Specified Uses (OU) Zone of the Approved Tsim Sha Tsui (KPA 1) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/K1/26.  The proposed building is a railway associated facility which would not have any conflicts with the current use and the planned continuous waterfront promenade with leisure, tourism and commercial activities after relocation of MTRC Freight Yard and International Mail Centre as identified in the Hung Hom District Study. 

7.20        Similarly, the proposed SOV and the reprovisioning of the POC are all within existing site zoned as OU (5) of the Approved Wan Chai North (HPA 25) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/H25/2.  The proposed new integrated building is within the 25mPD high restriction of the site.  The proposed SOV and POC reprovisioning would not have any conflicts with the existing and future planning intention of Wan Chai. 

7.21        The proposed EXH and associated ventilation shafts, entrances and plant buildings are generally within the Government, Institution or Community (G/IC) or Other Specified Uses (OU) Zones of Approved Wanchai North (HPA 25) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/H25/2 which are planned for the proposed railway development.  The proposed EXH and associated engineering facilities including the reprovisoning of IGH/TP are within the 50mPD height restriction zone of the G/IC(1) Zone and have also accommodated the planned landscape elevated walkway connecting to the future Wan Chai Development Phase II (WDII).  It is considered that the proposed EXH would not have any conflicts with the planning context and intention of the area.   

7.22        The proposed ventilation shafts, transformer bay and cooling tower for the ADM are located within Harcourt Garden which is zoned as an Open Space (O) Zone of Draft Central District (HPA 4) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/H4/13.  Upon completion of the works, the disturbed garden area will be reinstated to provide public space for passive recreational uses serving the need of local users as well as the general public.  The proposed aboveground structures will be integrated with the proposed terraced garden.  It is considered that the proposed aboveground structures at Harcourt Garden are compatible with the planning intention of the area. 

7.23        The proposed HKB is currently located within the O Zone of Draft Central District (HPA 4) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/H4/13.  The existing electricity sub-station, refuse collection point and area adjacent to the southern entrance of Hong Kong Park at Supreme Court Road will be acquired for the HKB.  The area to be disturbed during construction will be reinstated upon completion of works.  Responsive design of the HKB and proposed use of planting to mitigate the potential impacts will ensure that the structure is integrated and compatible with the landscape planning context of the area. 

7.24        The proposed IMT casting basin at Shek O is located within the Undetermined (U) Zone of Approved Tai Tam & Shek O (HPA 18) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/H18/10.  The area to be temporarily disturbed during the construction will be reinstated upon completion of temporary works.  It is considered that the proposed temporary works would not have any conflicts with the planning context and intention of the area. 

7.25        Having overlaid the proposed development on OZPs, it is considered that the proposed development would be in line with the current and future planning settings and would not have any conflicts with the statutory town plans of areas. 

Baseline Study

7.26        The baseline condition of existing landscape resources are described below.

Physical Landscape Resources

Landform

7.27        The Study Area for on-site works areas generally comprises flat reclaimed land.  The only topographical feature is the natural coastline at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC) at Kellett Island.  The Study Area for off-site works areas at Shek O comprises of the former quarry site enclosed by revegetated slopes. 

Water Body

7.28        Apart from Victoria Harbour, Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter (CBTS) and Tai Tam Bay, no other water bodies were identified within the Study Area.  

Open Spaces

7.29        The Study Area is a densely urbanized area with limited open space.  Approximately 11 nos. public open spaces are identified, varying from small rest gardens, playgrounds, to large parks such as Hong Kong Park and Harcourt Garden. In general, all public open spaces within a densely urbanized area are considered to be of high value and sensitivity due to their importance as landscape resources within the city.

Existing Trees

7.30        A broad brush tree survey has been carried out within the Study Area. There are approximately 1,800 no. of trees within the works area boundary.  None of these are Registered Old and Valuable Trees on the records of Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD).  There are no rare species or endangered species but only common species.  Tree species include Acacia confusa, Aleurites moluccana, Araucaria heterophylla, Archontophoenix alexandrae, Bauhinia blakeana, Callistemon viminalis, Caryota mitis, Delonix regia, Ficus benjamina, Ficus microcarpa, Hibicus tiliaceus, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Livistona chinensis, Macaranga tanarius, Melaleuca quinquenervia, Nerium indicum, and Phoenix roebelenii  Many of the trees are found within LCSD open spaces and amenity areas.  They are generally of medium to high amenity value and sensitivity. 

Human and Cultural Landscape Resources

7.31        In addition to the physical landscape resources identified above, the Noonday Gun and CBTS are cultural landscape elements identified within the Study Area. 

7.32        Baseline landscape resources (LR) which will be potentially affected by the Project are described and appraised together with their sensitivity are analysed and evaluated in Table 7.3.  The locations of landscape resources are mapped in Figure Nos. NEX2213/S/331/ENS/M54/020 to 021.  Photo views showing the landscape resources are illustrated in Figure Nos. NEX2213/S/331/ENS/M54/025 to 027. 

Table 7.3          Landscape Resources and Their Sensitivity

ID No.

Landscape Resources

Descriptions

Sensitivity

LR01

Victoria Harbour

The harbour itself is a valuable physical resource and is one of the key primary elements that generates the unique landscape and visual identity and character of Hong Kong.  The “Harbour” area, defined according to the original Protection of Harbour Ordinance, is the area between the Western Harbour Crossing in the west, and the line joining the Hung Hom Ferry Pier and North Point Ferry Pier in the east.  Victoria Harbour has high landscape quality and is of regional importance. 

High

LR02

Hong Kong Park

Hong Kong Park is a regionally important park serves as a botanic garden in Hong Kong covers 7.36 hectares in Central.  Approximately 1.1 hectares of this open space is within the Project boundary.  The diversity and maturity of vegetation contributes to the landscape context.  There are approximately 55 trees found within the works boundary of the Project.  Amenity species include Archontophoenix alexandrae, Cassia siamea, Cinnamomum camphora, Ficus hispida, Ficus microcarpa, Delonix regia, Livistona chinensis, and Roystonea regia .etc. Hong Kong Park has high landscape quality and is of regional importance.  

High

LR03

Harcourt Garden

Harcourt Garden is a 1.7 hectares urban park built on top of existing Admiralty Station (Island Line) and underground car parking facilities.  Approximately 30% of garden area is hard paved, no recreation facilities with only seating area and food kiosk provided.   It contains approximately 575 existing trees.  Most of them are tropical species with good form and colours.  Plantation in Harcourt Garden is common ornamental species include Archontophoenix alexandrae, Ficus microcarpa, Delonix regia, Lagerstroemia speciosa and Roystonea regia etc. In term of function, it is an open space largely for pedestrian circulation and limited facilities for visitor’s enjoyment. Given the above reason it has a medium sensitivity and is to be respected locally. 

Medium

LR04

Amenity Area at Performing Arts Avenue

It is a roadside amenity area (~0.1ha) at Performing Arts Avenue.  There are approximately 100 trees.  Species include Aleurites moluccana, Archontophoenix alexandrae, Bauhinia blakeana, Livistona chinensis, Melaleuca quinquenervia and Phoenix roebelenii.  It is considered that the resource has medium landscape quality and is of local significance.  

Medium

LR05

Academy Podium Garden

 

The Academy Podium Garden (~0.9ha) is a split-level space containing a water feature, and small open air amphitheatre, with substantial quantities of semi-mature tree planting at grade and along the public footpath adjacent to Gloucester Road.  The trees are important elements in diffusing the elevated Fenwick Pier Street flyover from the passive amenity space within the garden.  There are approximately 50 trees found within the Garden.  Species are primarily Hibiscus and Macaranga spp. in the garden and Aleurites moluccana along the public footpath adjacent to Gloucester Road.  The landscape quality is high and it is an important resource in urban area.   

High

LR06

Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space

 

It is a local open space (~0.7ha) adjacent to the existing MTR ventilation building next to Fenwick Pier Street, with covered seating, raised planters and a children’s play area.  There are approximately 300 trees found within the open space.  Trees within the garden are reaching maturity and comprise of Acacia confusa, Albizia lebbeck, Aleurites moluccana, Bauhinia blakeana, Caryota mitis, Casuarina equisetifolia, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Cinnamomum camphora, Ficus benjamina, Ficus virens var. sublanceolata, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Livistona chinensis, Macaranga tanarius, Melaleuca quinquenervia and Phoenix roebelenii.  Part of the Open Space is currently used for temporary working areas.  The landscape quality is medium and it is of local significance. 

Medium

LR06a

Tree Planting at Wan Chai West Sewage Screening Plant

There are approximately 40 trees found within the Sewage Screening Plant.  Trees are reaching maturity and comprise of Casuarina equisetifolia, Nerium indicum, Bombax ceiba, Alstonia scholaris, Acacia auriculiformis, Melia azedarach and Ficus religiosa.  The quality of this resource is medium and this resource has moderate ability to accommodated change.  The landscape quality of this resource is medium.

Medium

LR07

Amenity Areas between Fenwick Pier Street and Harbour Road

This is a small amenity area (~ 0.055ha) between Harbour Road and Fenwick Pier Street.  There are approximately 30 trees, including Albizia lebbeck, Melaleuca quinquenervia and Roystonea regia.  The quality of this resource is medium and this resource has moderate ability to accommodate change. 

Medium

LR08

Grand Hyatt Hotel Public Podium Plaza

 

It is a public plaza (~0.9ha) adjacent to the Grand Hyatt Hotel with sculptures, lawn areas, covered seating and a central water feature.  Tree planting is limited due to the podium nature of the space and comprises, predominantly, Hibiscus spp. and Melaleuca leucadendron.  There are approximately 50 trees.  The quality of the landscape is high and it is an important landscape resource in urban area. 

High

LR09

Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Eastern Boundary Landscaping Area

 

It is a small open space (~0.2ha) at the eastern boundary of the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel which set back from Fleming Road behind raised planters and contains a wide paved space with a water feature.  The planters are stocked with Ficus microcarpa, the crowns of which have merged in places to form a valuable screen between the hotel lobby and the busy road.  There are approximately 100 trees along the northern edge of the area next to Convention Avenue.  The quality of the landscape is high and it is an important landscape resource in urban area. 

High

LR10

Central Plaza Open Space

 

It is a local open space (~0.43ha) wrapping around Central Plaza on two sides.  The open space contains a central fountain, a large sculpture, raised planters and seating.  Ficus microcarpa have been planted in tree grilles at grade and in raised planters with shrubs.  There are approximately 80 trees in the local open space and the adjacent paved areas.  The quality of the landscape is high and it is an important landscape resource in urban area. 

High

LR11

Harbour Road Garden

The garden (~0.54ha) adjacent to the China Resources Building is enclosed on three sides and separated from Harbour Road by a high wall.  This layout results in a secluded and sheltered space in an otherwise busy streetscape.  The garden is laid out in a traditional Chinese style with a central pool and cascade.  There are approximately 50 trees in the garden.  Tree species include Aleurites moluccana, Bauhinia blakeana, Callistemon viminalis, Cassia surattensis, Elaeocarpus hainanensis, Ficus benjamina, Ficus microcarpa, Macaranga tanarius, Michelia alba, Podocarpus macrophyllus and Taxodium distichum.  The quality of the landscape is high and it is an important landscape resource in urban area. 

High

LR12

Planting Area at Convention Avenue Bus Terminus

There are approximately 30 trees found in the amenity areas (~0.003ha) of the bus terminus.  Tree species include Albizia lebbeck, Aleurites moluccana, Araucaria heterophylla, Cassia siamea Cinnamomum camphora, Cinnamomum burmanii, Delonix regia, Erythrina variegata, Ficus benjamina and Tabebuia argentea. The trees are common species with medium amenity value.  The landscape quality of this resource is medium.

Medium

LR13

Harbour Road Sports Centre

Harbour Road Sports Centre includes a training pool and an indoor games hall which provides active recreation for the district.  The Centre includes indoor swimming pool, squash courts, table-tennis area and multipurpose arena for badminton courts, basketball courts and volleyball courts.  There are approximately 60 trees found in the amenity areas around the Harbour Road Sports Centre.  Tree species include Adenanthera microsperma, Aleurites moluccana, Araucaria heterophylla, Archontophoenix alexandrae, Callistemon viminalis, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Cinnamomum camphora, Erythrina variegata, Ficus benjamina, Magnolia grandiflora, Michelia alba, and Schefflera actinophylla.  The trees are common species with medium amenity value.  The landscape quality of this resource is medium.

Medium

LR14

Wan Chai Sports Ground

This is a major recreational facility (~2.5ha) within the district.  There are approximately 120 trees found within the Sports Ground.  Tree species include Archontophoenix alexandrae, Bauhinia blakeana, Melaleuca quinquenervia, Michelia alba, and Phoenix roebelenii.  The quality of the landscape is high and it is an important recreational resource in urban area.

High

LR15

Amenity Area at Gloucester Road and Cross Harbour Tunnel Entrance  

This is a roadside amenity area (~1.8ha) consists of tree and ornamental shrub planting.  Mature Aleurites moluccana line the northern edge of Gloucester Road located in raised planters adjacent to the China Resources Building, Sun Hung Kai Centre and the Wan Chai Sports Ground.  The trees are of a generally uniform height and size and are of excellent health and amenity quality.  There are approximately 400 trees within the amenity area.  Tree Species include Aleurites moluccana, Archontophoenix alexandrae, Bauhinia blakeana, Caryota mitis, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Ficus variegata var. clorocarpa, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Livistona chinensis.  The quality of this landscape resource is high and this is of local importance. 

High

LR16

Tunnel Approach Rest Garden

The Rest Garden (~0.2ha) consists of assorted trees, shrubs and palms with high visual amenity value.  There is a water feature at the centre of the garden which provides visual amenity to the travellers in the adjacent transport corridors.  There are approximately 130 trees found within the Rest Garden.  Tree Species include Araucaria heterophylla, Archontophoenix alexandrae, Callistemon viminalis, Caryota mitis, Cassia siamea, Elaeocarpus hainanensis, Ficus benjamina 'variegata', Ficus microcarpa, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Livistona chinensis, Michelia alba, and Phoenix roebelenii.  This is a high quality landscape with local importance. 

High

LR17

Landscape Area in Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC)

 

There are two areas of trees at the Yacht Club, namely Ficus spp. laid out in rows within the car park, and Ficus spp. and palms planted on the northern boundary adjacent to the club house and restaurant.  The car park trees are of a semi-mature to mature size and greatly reduce visual impacts from heavy traffic descending into the Cross Harbour Tunnel.  The trees also reduce the visual impact from the car park itself which comprises a substantial area of tarmacadam in a visually prominent position on the waterfront.  There are approximately 80 trees found within the Yacht Club. This resource is considered as high quality with local importance. 

High

LR18

Landscape Area in POC

The POC contains a tennis court and bowling green.  There are lush tree planting around the edge of the ball courts and building.  There are approximately 50 nos. of trees found within POC.  Tree species include Aleurites moluccana, Araucaria heterophylla, Archontophoenix alexandrae, Bombax ceiba, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Delonix regia, Dimocarpus longan, Eucalyptus robusta, Ficus microcarpa, Livistona chinensis, Mangifera indica, Michelia alba and Syzygium hancei.  This resource is considered as medium quality.  

Medium

LR19

ID number not used

LR20

Noonday Gun

The Noonday Gun in this small open space (0.05ha) is of historic and cultural interest.  The Noonday Gun is a rare landscape element of local importance.

High

LR21

Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter

This is a typhoon shelter which provides moorings for many boats, including yachts associated with the RHKYC and cruisers.  This is a medium quality landscape resource with local significance.  It is more sensitive to reclamation. 

Medium

LR22

Roadside Amenity Areas at Salisbury Road and Hong Chong Road above the Portal of Cross Harbour Tunnel

Roadside Amenity Areas (0.2 ha) at Salisbury Road and Hong Chong Road above the Portal of Cross Harbour Tunnel consists of typical roadside tree and shrub planting.  There are approximately 20 trees found within the study boundary.  Tree species include Eucalyptus citriodora, Cassia surattensis, Koelreuteria bipinnata, Acacia confusa Cassia alata, etc. Most of them are planted along the Salisbury Road above portal of Cross Harbour Tunnel with medium amenity value.  The landscape quality of this resource is medium.

Medium

LR23

Roadside Amenity Areas at Hung Luen Road and Hung Lok Road

Roadside Amenity Areas (0.3 ha) at Hung Luen Road and Hung Lok Road consists of newly planted tree and shrub planting at Hung Hom waterfront area.  There are approximately 120 trees found within the study boundary.  Tree species include Caryota mitis, Bauhinia blakeana, Ficus benjamina, Livistona chinensis and Hibicus tiliaceus. Trees in this area have medium amenity value.   The landscape quality of this resource is medium.

Medium

LR24

Semi-natural hillside Woodland at Shek O

This is a semi-natural hillside woodland under ongoing beautification and rehabilitation works of Shek O Quarry.  There are approximately 200 trees found within the study boundary.  Trees are growing on hydroseeded slope surface.  The amenity value of this woodland is considered medium.   The landscape quality of this resource is medium.

Medium

LR25

Revegatated slope at Shek O Quarry

The slope of Shek O Quarry is revegetated by Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) with self-sustaining exotic and native trees.  The works is scheduled for completion by early 2011.  Upon completion of the rehabilitation works, this resource is in the infancy.  There are approximately 50 trees found within the study boundary.  Therefore, it is considered as medium quality with local importance.

Medium

LR26

Tai Tam Bay Water Body

Tai Tam Bay is an inshore water body outside Shek O Quarry Basin.  This is a common coastal resource of Hong Kong with medium sensitivity. 

Medium

LR27

Shek O Quarry

This is a disused quarry without vegetation of any landscape and visual amenity value.  The quality of this resource is low. 

Low

 


Landscape Character Areas (LCA)

7.33        Landscape character areas have been identified within the study area in accordance with the “Study on Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong”.  Landscape character areas which will be potentially affected by the Project are described and appraised together with their sensitivity analysed and evaluated in Table 7.4.  The locations of landscape character areas are mapped in Figure Nos. NEX2213/S/331/ENS/M54/030 to 031.  Photo views showing the landscape character areas are illustrated in Figure Nos. NEX2213/S/331/ENS/M54/035 to 036. 

Table 7.4          Landscape Character Areas and Their Sensitivity

ID No. 

Landscape Characters

Descriptions

Sensitivity

LCA01

Hong Kong Island Residential Urban Fringe LCA

This is a large area lying at the edges of Hong Kong Island on peripheral hillsides.  There are medium to low-density residential development with winding roads in vegetated or wooded settings.  The result is a fairly coherent residential landscape with a high coverage of vegetation, which possesses a relatively informal and tranquil character.  The landscape is mature and high quality which has little ability to accommodate change.

High

LCA02

Admiralty Institutional LCA

This LCA is characterised predominantly by institutional land uses including High Court, Government Office, The British Council and British Consulate General.  Vegetation is limited to a few street trees and shrub planting area in front of perimeter fence.  This type of landscape is common with high ability to accommodate changes. 

Low

LCA03

Hong Kong Park Urban LCA

This is a large recreational landscape in Central which provides both passive and active recreation.  It is a high quality and rare landscape character at the heart of urban area of regional importance. 

High

LCA04

Admiralty and  Wanchai High-rise Commercial Urban LCA

This is a prestige commercial/retail landscape located on flat, low-lying and reclaimed land in Admiralty and Wanchai.  It consists of narrow and medium-width streets organised on a largely orthogonal grid, medium and high-rise commercial and retail uses, malls with offices above connected by pedestrian bridges, modern, prestige architecture and limited open space and street tree planting. It is characterised by a high sense of enclosure, a predominance of man-made features and artificial colours, a distinct sense of verticality and busy, vibrant street activity. It is a common landscape character with high ability to accommodate changes.  This type of LCA is generally less sensitive to underground railway development. 

Low

LCA05

Wan Chai Civic Urban Waterfront LCA

This is an urban waterfront in Wanchai.  Part of the area is the future reclaimed land for preliminary open space development.  This landscape consists of a mixture of public open space and civic buildings with some commercial land uses at close proximity to the Victoria Harbour.  It is a flat topography with formal promenade or linear public space, scattered civic buildings, ferry terminals and other commercial buildings.  As this landscape lies on the recent or future reclamation, the buildings tend to be modern and their landscapes are not fully mature.  Vegetation typically consists of formal amenity trees and shrub planting.  This landscape is considered as medium quality and of regional significance.

Medium

LCA06

Wan Chai City Grid Mixed Urban LCA

This is a mixed urban character developed in regular city grid in Wan Chai.  It consists of mainly retail land uses at street level with high/medium-rise commercial or residential development above.  Streets are often busy with traffic and the large numbers of people using these areas.  Street life is vibrant but with limited street tree planting and shrub planting in occasional pocket open spaces.  It is a common landscape character generally less sensitive to underground railway development. 

Low

LCA07

Victoria Harbour Strait LCA

Victoria Harbour Strait LCA is an area of inshore coastal water enclosed by significant development on both sides, creating a sense of enclosure or containment.  It is characterized predominantly by its surrounding dense high-rise development on both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon side including passing vessels, and marine activities of all kinds, including anchorages, shipping lanes and ferry traffic.  This is a rare and high quality landscape character of Hong Kong and has significant territorial importance.  It is very sensitive to reclamation. 

High

LCA08

Causeway Bay Medium/High-rise Commercial LCA

This landscape character is located on flat, low-lying and reclaimed land in Causeway Bay with prestige commercial and retail uses.  It consists of narrow and medium-width streets organised on a largely orthogonal grid, medium and high-rise commercial and retail uses, malls with offices above connected by pedestrian bridges, modern, prestige architecture and limited open space and street tree planting.  It is characterised by a high sense of enclosure, a predominance of man-made features and artificial colours, a distinct sense of verticality and busy, vibrant street activity.  It is a common landscape with high ability to accommodate changes.  This type of LCA is generally less sensitive to underground railway development. 

Low

LCA09

Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter LCA

This is an inshore aquatic landscape formed by armour stone breakwaters constructed to protect large numbers of moored vessels at the coastal edges of Causeway Bay.  These vessels include freighters, fishing vessels, pleasure craft and sampans.  Though the LCA consists primarily of water, other features in these landscapes include jetties, pontoons and navigational features resulting in a landscape that is a transitional one between land and sea.  The result is a vibrant and active landscape characterized by a variety of form and colour and often by a significant sense of enclosure.  This a medium quality landscape character with local significance.  It is more sensitive to reclamation. 

Medium

LCA10

Victoria Park Urban LCA

This is a large recreational landscape which provides both passive recreation such as ornamental planting, lawns, pathways, sitting areas, water features and pavilions; and active recreation facilities such as, swimming pools, bowling green, tennis and basketball courts etc.  It is a high quality landscape character of regional importance. 

High

LCA11

Wan Chai Phase II Reclamation Major Development LCA

Wan Chai Phase II Reclamation Major Development LCA is an ongoing development area which is to provide land for completing the strategic road networks along the north shore of Hong Kong Island to alleviate traffic congestion.  It involves major reclamation works in the areas.  The land formed will become future harbourfront open space for the enjoyment of the public.  It is considered that during the construction phase of the Project, the sensitivity of this LCA is low because this LCA would be just a newly reclaimed land with no landscape value.  During operation phase of the Project, the sensitivity of this LCA would become high when the waterfront open spaces are in operation.

Low during construction phase

High during operation phase

LCA12

Hung Hom Mixed Modern Comprehensive Urban Development LCA

This is an area of urban landscape formed by residential development and service apartment.  Lush vegetation is found in the landscape garden and podium of the development.  This is a common landscape character in Hong Kong with high sensitivity. 

High

LCA13

Hung Hom Residential Urban LCA

This is a LCA which is largely given over to residential land use in Hung Hom.  It is developed on flat reclaimed land and characterised by its medium to high-rise residential estates, set amongst open space, together with associated highways, footbridges, school or community facilities and retail facilities.  Vegetation includes roadside trees and shrub planting and planting in open spaces and around residential estates.  The result is a fairly homogenous, ordered landscape comprising largely built elements softened to a certain extent by the effects of surrounding planting and greenery.  This is a high quality landscape in urban area with high sensitivity. 

High

LCA14

Hung Hom Transportation Corridor LCA

This LCA is characterised by the major highways and railways corridors.  Major features include flyovers, signage gantries, interchange, traffic islands, footbridges, railway line and associated uses.  Between the roads and railways are landscaped embankments and islands, generally with a semi-mature amenity vegetation of trees and shrubs.  This type of LCA is common to Hong Kong and is generally less sensitive to railway development. 

Low

LCA15

Tsim Sha Tsui Medium/High- Rise Commercial Urban Landscape

This landscape character is located on flat, low-lying and reclaimed land in Tsim Sha Tsui with hotel, commercial and retail uses.  It consists of narrow and medium-width streets organised on a largely orthogonal grid, medium and high-rise commercial and retail uses, malls with offices above connected by pedestrian bridges, modern, prestige architecture and limited open space and street tree planting.  It is characterised by a high sense of enclosure, a predominance of man-made features and artificial colours, a distinct sense of verticality and busy, vibrant street activity.  It is a common landscape with high ability to accommodate changes.  This type of LCA is generally less sensitive to underground railway development. 

Low

LCA 16

ID number not used

LCA17

Shek O Quarry LCA

This is a LCA located beyond the fringes of the urban areas which have undergone a high degree of disturbance due to the operation of the former quarry.  This LCA is characterized by significant excavations, extensive earthworks and highly disturbed landscape features.  Shek O Quarry is undergoing rehabilitation works carried out by CEDD.  The works are tentatively to be completed by early 2011.  Under the rehabilitation works, new landform with new road including revegetation of slopes will be developed for future use.  This LCA has just transformed from quarry character to landforms with new road and revegetated slopes, the landscape is still at its infancy, therefore, the landscape amenity value and quality of this LCA is low. 

Low

LCA18

Shek O Hillside Woodland LCA

This is a woodland LCA at the fringe of the Shek O Quarry.  This is a common landscape with medium ability to accommodate changes.

Medium

LCA19

Tai Tam Bay Landscape LCA

Tai Tam Bay is an inshore coastal landscape outside Shek O Quarry Basin.  This is a common coastal landscape of Hong Kong with medium sensitivity. 

Medium

 


Visual Envelope

7.34        The visual envelope of the Project during the construction and operation phases is illustrated in Figure Nos. NEX2213/C/331/ENS/M54/003 to 004.  Visual Envelopes have been identified by site visit and desktop study of topographic maps and photographs to determine visibility of the Project from various locations.  The Project is located within the urban areas on Hong Kong Island and Hung Hom and rural area in Shek O.  During construction stage, the visual envelope will be confined by the existing buildings around the works area and the front row of high-rise buildings in Kowloon and hilly topography of Shek O.  During operation stage, the proposed aboveground structures are relatively small compared with adjacent high rise development.  The visual envelope will be reduced and confined to the areas around the aboveground structures.   

Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

7.35        Within the visual envelope, a number of key VSRs have been identified during construction and operation phase.  They are listed, together with their baseline assessment and sensitivity, in Table 7.5 and mapped in Figure Nos. NEX2213/C/331/ENS/M54/040 to 041.  Photo views illustrating the VSRs within the study area are shown in Figure Nos. NEX2213/C/331/ENS/M54/045 to 052. 

7.36        The sensitivity of VSRs is assessed in accordance with EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2010.  Key factors including type of VSRs, number of individuals of the VSRs, quality of existing view, availability of alternative views, degree of visibility, duration of view and frequency of view of the VSRs are evaluated. 

7.37        Types of VSRs are generally categorized in accordance with the landuse of the areas where the VSRs are located.  There are 5 types of VSRs, namely Commercial, Institutional, Recreational, Residential and Travelling VSRs.  

7.38        C01 to C40 are commercial VSRs with medium number of individuals.  The quality of existing view varies from good to fair.  They all have alternative views and full degree of visibility.  They have medium duration of view and occasional view.  Their sensitivity is considered as medium. 

7.39        C/R1 to CR7 are commercial/residential VSRs with medium number of individuals.  The quality of existing view is good.  They all have alternative views and full degree of visibility.  They have long duration of view and frequent view.  Their sensitivity is considered as high.

7.40        GIC1 to GIC9 are institutional VSRs with medium number of individuals.  The quality of existing view varies from good to fair.  They all have alternative views and full to partial degree of visibility.  They have medium to short duration of view and occasional view.  Their sensitivity is considered as medium. 

7.41        O1 to O10 are recreational VSRs with few to many number of individuals.  The quality of existing view varies from good to fair.  They all have alternative views and full to glimpse degree of visibility.  They all have medium duration of view and occasional view.  Their sensitivity is considered as high. 

7.42        OU1 are recreational VSRs with medium number of individuals.  The quality of existing view is good.  They have alternative views and full degree of visibility.  They all have medium duration of view and occasional view.  Their sensitivity is considered as high. 

7.43        OU2 are recreational VSRs with many number of individuals.  The quality of existing view is fair.  They have alternative views and full degree of visibility.  They all have short duration of view and occasional view.  Their sensitivity is considered as medium. 

7.44        OU3 are institutional VSRs with medium number of individuals.  The quality of existing view is poor.  There do not have alternative view and they have glimpse degree of visibility.  They all have medium duration of view and occasional view.  Their sensitivity is considered as low. 

7.45        T1 are travelling VSRs with many number of individuals.  The quality of existing view is good.  They have alternative views and full degree of visibility.  They have short duration of view and occasional view.  Their sensitivity is considered as medium.  

7.46        T2 to T5 are travelling VSRs with many number of individuals.  The quality of existing view is fair.  They all have alternative views and glimpse degree of visibility.  They all have short duration of view and occasional view.  Their sensitivity is considered as low.  


Table 7.5        Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) and Their Sensitivity

VSR ID.

Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR)

Type of VSRs

Number of Individuals (Many/ Medium/ Few)

Quality of Existing View

(Good/Fair/ Poor)

Availability of Alternative Views

(Yes/No)

Degree of Visibility

(Full/ Partial/ Glimpse)

Duration of View (Long/ Medium/ Short)

Frequency of View (Frequent/ Occasional/ Rare)

Sensitivity

(Low, Medium, High)

VSRs within the Visual Envelope of On-site Works Areas

C01

International Finance Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C02

Two International Finance Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C03

Exchange Square

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C04

Hutchison House

Commercial

Medium

Fair

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C05

Bank of America Tower

Commercial

Medium

Fair

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C06

Far East Financial Centre

Commercial

Medium

Fair

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C07

Admiralty Centre

Commercial

Medium

Fair

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C08

United Centre

Commercial

Medium

Fair

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C09

CITIC Tower

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C10

Pacific Place

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C11

Fleet Arcade

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C12

Telecom House

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C13

Harbour View International House

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C14

Shui On Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C15

Central Plaza

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C16

Grand Hyatt Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C17

Renaissance Harbour View Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C18

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C19

Great Eagle Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C20

Harbour Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C20a

China Resources Building

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C21

Sun Hung Kai Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C22

AXA Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C23

Sino Plaza

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C24

World Trade Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C25

Excelsior Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C26

Citicorp Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C27

Victoria Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C28

Inter Continental Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C29

New World Centre and Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C30

Wing On Plaza

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C31

Shangri La Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C32

Tsim Sha Tsui Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C33

Empire Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C34

Grand Stanford Harbour View Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C35

Nikko Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C36

Harbour Plaza Metropolis

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C37

Island Shangri-la and Conrad International Hotel

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C38

International Commerce Centre

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C39

The Masterpiece

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C40

Harbourfront Horizon

Commercial

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

C/R1

Causeway Centre

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Long

Frequent

High

C/R2

160 - 169 Gloucester Road

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Long

Frequent

High

C/R3

210 - 226 Gloucester Road

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Long

Frequent

High

C/R4

Elizabeth House

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Long

Frequent

High

C/R5

256 - 275 Gloucester Road

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Long

Frequent

High

C/R6

Riviera, Prospect, Miami and Marco Polo Mansion

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Long

Frequent

High

C/R7

40 - 104 Hing Fat Street

Commercial/ Residential

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Long

Frequent

High

GIC1

Hong Kong Police Force Headquarter

Institutional

Medium

Good

Yes

Partial

Short

Occasional

Medium

GIC2

POC

Institutional

Medium

Good

Yes

Partial

Short

Occasional

Medium

GIC3

Hing Fat Street Post Office

Institutional

Medium

Good

Yes

Partial

Short

Occasional

Medium

GIC4

Victoria Park School for the Deaf

Institutional

Medium

Good

Yes

Partial

Medium

Occasional

Medium

GIC5

British Council and British Consulate General

Institutional

Medium

Good

Yes

Partial

Medium

Occasional

Medium

GIC6

High Court Building and Queensway Government Office

Institutional

Medium

Good

Yes

Partial

Medium

Occasional

Medium

GIC7

Hong Kong Red Cross

Institutional

Medium

Fair

Yes

Partial

Medium

Occasional

Medium

GIC8

Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts

Institutional

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

GIC9

Hong Kong Arts Centre

Institutional

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

Medium

O1

Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space

Recreational

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

High

O2

HKCEC Open Space

Recreational

Many

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

High

O3

HKCEC Promenade

Recreational

Many

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

High

O4

Wan Chai Sports Ground

Recreational

Many

Good

Yes

Partial

Medium

Occasional

High

O5

Tunnel Approach Rest Garden

Recreational

Few

Fair

Yes

Glimpse

Medium

Occasional

High

O6

Tung Lo Wan Garden

Recreational

Many

Good

Yes

Partial

Medium

Occasional

High

O7

Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront Promenade

Recreational

Many

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

High

O8

Hong Kong Park

Recreational

Many

Fair

Yes

Partial

Medium

Occasional

High

O9

Wan Chai Waterfront

Recreational

Many

Good

Yes

Partial

Medium

Occasional

High

O10

Causeway Bay Waterfront

Recreational

Many

Good

Yes

Partial

Medium

Occasional

High

OU1

Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club

Recreational

Medium

Good

Yes

Full

Medium

Occasional

High

OU2

Hong Kong Coliseum

Recreational

Many

Fair

Yes

Full

Short

Occasional

Medium

OU3 

Freight Terminal

Institutional

Medium

Poor

No

Glimpse

Medium

Occasional

Low

T1

Ferry in Victoria Harbour

Travelling

Many

Good

Yes

Full

Short

Occasional

Medium

T2

Wan Chai Interchange

Travelling

Many

Fair

Yes

Glimpse

Short

Occasional

Low

T3

Convention Avenue and Fleming Road

Travelling

Many

Fair

Yes

Glimpse

Short

Occasional

Low

T4

Harcourt Road

Travelling

Many

Fair

Yes

Glimpse

Short

Occasional

Low

T5

Travellers on Salisbury Flyover

Travelling

Many

Fair

Yes

Glimpse

Short

Occasional

Low

Note: R = Residential; C = Commercial, C/R = Commercial/Residential, GIC = Government/Institution/Community, I = Industrials, O = Open space, OU = Others Use; T = Transport related


Landscape Impact Assessment

Sources of Landscape Impacts

7.47        The sources of landscape impacts due to the Project would create varying levels of landscape impact during construction and operation phases of the Project.  Potential impacts would result from the temporary and permanent works during construction phase and permanent aboveground structure elements during operation phase. 

7.48        The sources of landscape impacts in the construction phase would include:

·                     demolition of existing Kowloon Freight Building at Hung Hom Landfall;

·                     construction of NOV at Hung Hom Freight Terminal;

·                     demolition and re-provision of the existing Freight Pier in Hung Hom;

·                     construction of marine cofferdam (temporary reclamation involved) and associated works at Hung Hom Landfall;

·                     IMT construction across Victoria Harbour;

·                     construction of cut and cover tunnel for both land and marine section;

·                     construction of the SOV on the site of the POC. This will entail the demolition and reconstruction of the POC located close to the Cross Harbour Tunnel Entrance;

·                     construction of TBM tunnel shafts;

·                     demolition and re-provision of parts of the Wan Chai Sports Ground, and temporary works areas between EXH and SOV;

·                     construction of underground EXH and associated entrances, plant buildings and ventilation shafts located at the east of the Hong Kong Convention Centre. The construction of this will require demolition and re-provision of the IGH/TP, and the demolition and re-provision of the existing PTI located at the north of Great Eagle Complex;

·                     construction of cut and cover tunnels adjacent to the Hong Kong Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre;

·                     temporary works sites between ADM and the proposed EXH;

·                     construction of EAP at Fenwick Street Children’s Playground;

·                     temporary works for demolition of pump house and piles removal of West Sewage Screening Plant;

·                     mucking out works, internal fitting-out, track laying works at ADM and some minor aboveground construction works at ADM;

·                     mucking out works at HKB and construction of superstructure and reinstatement works at HKB;

·                     barging points at Wanchai Promenade and Hung Hom Freight Pier;

·                     temporary off-site works areas for IMT casting basin at Shek O; 

·                     temporary site access areas, site cabins and heavy machinery;

·                     loss of existing trees and other vegetation during construction; and

·                     change of landscape character temporarily due to the construction works. 

7.49        The sources of landscape impacts in the operation phase would include:

·                     operation of NOV at Hung Hom Freight Terminal;

·                     operation of SOV on the site of the POC;

·                     operation of underground EXH and associated entrances, plant buildings and ventilation shafts located to the east of the HK Convention Centre;

·                     operation of EAP at Fenwick Street Children’s Playground;

·                     operation of ADM Ventilation Shafts, Transformer Bay and Cooling Tower at Harcourt Garden;

·                     operation of portion of HKB under the Project;

·                     permanent removal of existing trees and other vegetation; and

·                     change of landscape character permanently due to the proposed development. 

Magnitude of Landscape Impacts

7.50        The magnitude of unmitigated landscape impacts associated with the construction phase and operational phases of the Project are assessed and described in Table 7.6. 

Table 7.6          Magnitude of Landscape Impacts during Construction and Operation

ID No.

Landscape Resources/ Landscape Character Areas

Source of Impact

Description of Impacts

Magnitude of Change

(Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)

Construction

Operation

Landscape Resources

LR01

Victoria Harbour

Temporary Works for the construction of marine cofferdam and associated works at Hung Hom Landfall and the IMT Construction across Victoria Harbour during construction phase.

No permanent works are proposed during operation phase. 

 

Temporary and localized alienation of part of Victoria Harbour for the marine cofferdam and associated works and IMT Construction. 

Small

Negligible

LR02

Hong Kong Park

Temporary Works for the mucking out works at HKB and construction of superstructure and reinstatement works at HKB during construction phase. 

Operation of the portion of HKB under the Project  during operation phase

Localized alienations of a small portion of hard paved area and climbing plants outside HKB constructed under SIL(E) during construction phase.

During operation phase, the hard paved area and climbing plants will be occupied by the superstructure of SCL (HUH-ADM).

Small

Small

LR03

Harcourt Garden

Temporary Works for the mucking out works, internal fitting-out and track laying works in ADM and some minor aboveground construction works during construction phase. 

Operation of ADM Ventilation Shafts, Transformer Bay and Cooling Tower during operation phase. 

Temporary and localized alienation of the ADM completed under SIL(E) during construction phase. 

During operation phase, the area for the ADM Ventilation Shafts, Transformer Bay and Cooling Tower will be permanently occupied by the Project.   However, such permanent land alienation has been assessed and addressed in the SIL(E) EIA. 

Small

Small

LR04

Amenity Area at Performing Arts Avenue

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LR05

Academy Podium Garden

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LR06

Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space

Temporary works areas during construction phase. 

During operation phase, the source of impact comes from the localized operation of EAP at the existing MTRC Ventilation Shaft within the open space. 

During construction phase, this open space will be temporarily alienated.  Approximately 235 nos. of trees will be removed during construction.  Tree species include Acacia confusa, Albizia lebbeck, Aleurites moluccana, Bauhinia blakeana, Caryota mitis, Casuarina equisetifolia, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Cinnamomum camphora, Ficus benjamina, Ficus virens var. sublanceolata, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Livistona chinensis, Macaranga tanarius, Melaleuca quinquenervia and Phoenix roebelenii.  Affected trees are in the range of 1.5-10m high, 1-10m spread and 100-600mm trunk diameter.  Existing MTR ventilation shafts will be demolished for construction of EAP. 

 

During operation phase, there would not be any net permanent loss of open space.  The impact would mainly  come from the operation of the EAP in the areas that are currently occupied by the existing MTRC Ventilation Shaft within the open space.  

Large

Large

LR06a

Tree Planting at Wan Chai West Sewage Screening Plant

Temporary works for demolition of pump house and piles removal of West Sewage Screening Plant during construction phase.

No permanent works are proposed during operation phase. 

 

During construction phase, tree planting within Wan Chai Sewage Screening Plant will be temporarily alienated.  Approximately 35 nos. of trees will be removed during construction.  Tree Species include Casuarina equisetifolia, Nerium indicum, Bombax ceiba, Alstonia scholaris, Acacia auriculiformis, Melia azedarach, Ficus religiosa.  Felled trees are in the range are in the range of 1.5m-8m high, 0.5-6m spread and 100-400 mm trunk diameter

Large

Large

LR07

Amenity Areas between Fenwick Pier Street and Harbour Road

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LR08

Grand Hyatt Hotel Public Podium Plaza

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LR09

Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Eastern Boundary Landscaping Area

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LR10

Central Plaza Open Space

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LR11

Harbour Road Garden

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LR12

Planting  Area at Convention Avenue Bus Terminus

Construction of EXH, Entrances, Plant Buildings, Ventilation Shafts and associated works and subsequent operation of EXH and associated Ventilation Shafts, Entrances and Plant Building during operation phase. 

During construction phase, all the amenity area and existing trees will be permanently affected.  Approximately 25 trees will be removed.  Tree species include Albizia lebbeck, Aleurites moluccana, Cassia siamea Cinnamomum camphora, Cinnamomum burmanii, Delonix regia, Erythrina variegata, Ficus benjamina, and Tabebuia argentea.  Affected trees are in the range of 2-13m high, 1-6m spread and 100-350mm trunk diameter. 

Large

Large

LR13

Harbour Road Sports Centre

Demolition of existing Harbour Road Sports Centre (including indoor game hall and swimming pool) during construction

Reprovisioning of indoor game hall and swimming pool upon completion of works. 

A new IGH/TP will be constructed during construction phase.  Existing indoor game hall and swimming pool will be demolished upon new facilities are reprovided.   Part of the planting area and existing trees within this LR will be permanently affected.  Approximately 45 trees will be removed.  Tree species include Adenanthera microsperma, Aleurites moluccana, Araucaria heterophylla, Archontophoenix alexandrae, Callistemon viminalis, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Cinnamomum camphora, Erythrina variegate, Ficus benjamina, Magnolia grandiflora, Michelia alba, and Schefflera actinophylla.  Affected trees are in the range of 4-14m high, 2-8m spread and 100-500mm trunk diameter.

During operation phase, the indoor game hall and swimming pool will be reprovided.  Key impact is due to the removal of existing trees. 

Large

Large

LR14

Wan Chai Sports Ground

Temporary works for demolition of parts of Wan Chai Sports Ground and temporary works for EXH and associated works during construction phase.

No permanent works are proposed during operation phase. 

 

During construction phase, part of the Sports Ground will be temporarily alienated.  Part of the existing grandstand will be demolished during construction phase.  Approximately 55 trees will be removed.  Tree species include Archontophoenix alexandrae, Bauhinia blakeana, Melaleuca quinquenervia, Michelia alba, and Phoenix roebelenii.  Affected trees are in the range of 2-7m high, 1-3m spread and 100-200mm trunk diameter. 

Large

Large

LR15

Amenity Area at Gloucester Road and Cross Harbour Tunnel Entrance  

Temporary works for tunnel construction during construction phase. 

No permanent works are proposed during operation phase. 

 

During construction phase, this amenity area will be temporarily alienated.  Approximately 365 nos. of trees will be removed during construction.  Tree Species include Aleurites moluccana, Archontophoenix alexandrae, Bauhinia blakeana, Caryota mitis, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Ficus variegata var. clorocarpa, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Livistona chinensis.  Affected trees are in the range of 5-11m high, 2-6m spread and 100-600mm trunk diameter. 

Large

Large

LR16

Tunnel Approach Rest Garden

Temporary works for tunnel construction during construction phase. 

No permanent works are proposed during operation phase. 

 

During construction phase, this Rest Garden will be temporarily alienated.  Approximately 125 nos. of trees will be removed during construction.  Tree species include Araucaria heterophylla, Archontophoenix alexandrae,Callistemon viminalis, Caryota mitis, Cassia siamea, Elaeocarpus hainanensis, Ficus benjamina 'variegata', Ficus microcarpa, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Livistona chinensis, Michelia alba, and Phoenix roebelenii.  Affected trees are in the range of 6-10m high, 1-4m spread and 100-400mm trunk diameter. 

Large

Large

LR17

Landscape Area in Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LR18

Landscape Area in POC

Demolition of POC, reprovisioning of POC integrated with SOV and temporary construction shaft during construction phase. 

Operation of SOV and reprovisioned POC during operation phase.

During construction phase, all the landscape area within POC will be loss.  Approximately 45 nos. of trees will be removed during construction.  Tree species include Aleurites moluccana, Araucaria heterophylla, Archontophoenix alexandrae, Bombax ceiba, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Delonix regia, Dimocarpus longan, Eucalyptus robusta, Ficus microcarpa, Livistona chinensis, Mangifera indica, Michelia alba and Syzygium hancei.  Affected trees are in the range of 4-15m high, 1-8m spread and 100-550mm trunk diameter. 

During operation phase, the impact would mainly induce from operation of SOV and reprovisioned POC.

Large

Large

LR19

ID number not used

LR20

Noonday Gun

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LR21

Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LR22

Roadside Amenity Areas at Salisbury Road and Hong Chong Road above the Portal of Cross Harbour Tunnel

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LR23

Roadside Amenity Areas at Hung Luen Road and Hung Lok Road

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LR24

Semi-natural hillside Woodland at Shek O

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LR25

Revegatated slope at Shek O Quarry

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LR26

Tai Tam Bay Water Body

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LR27

Shek O Quarry

Temporary works for IMT casting basin during construction phase. 

No permanent works are proposed during operation phase. 

Temporary alienation of the area during construction phase.

Small

Small

Landscape Character Areas

LCA01

Hong Kong Island Residential Urban Fringe LCA

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LCA02

Admiralty Institutional LCA

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LCA03

Hong Kong Park Urban LCA

During construction phase, source of impact comes from construction of superstructure and reinstatement works at HKB. 

Operation of the HKB during operation phase 

Temporary and localized alienations of the part of HKB constructed under SIL(E).  The magnitude of impact on this LCA due to the Project is considered as small. 

A very small proportion of Hong Kong Park will be permanently alienated by the HKB. 

Small

Small

LCA04

Admiralty and Wan Chai High-rise Commercial Urban LCA

Temporary Works for the mucking out works, internal fitting-out and track laying works in ADM and some minor aboveground construction works during construction phase. 

Operation of ADM Ventilation Shafts, Transformer Bay and Cooling Tower during operation phase. 

Temporary and localized alienation of the ADM completed under SIL(E) during construction phase. 

A small proportion of Harcourt Garden will be permanently alienated by the Ventilation Shafts, Transformer Bay and Cooling Tower. 

Small

Small

LCA05

Wan Chai Civic Urban Waterfront LCA

Direct impact due to demolition of POC and construction of SOV and POC reprovisioning, demolition and re-provision of parts of Wan Chai Sports Ground, temporary works between EXH and SOV, operation of barging points at Wan Chai Promenade, the construction of EXH and associated railway facilities including reprovisioning of IGH/TP, construction of EAP and their subsequent operation of permanent aboveground structures during operation phase. 

During construction phase, there will be some significant change of landscape character temporarily due to the construction activities and loss of existing trees.  The extent of works areas is large and covers around 40-50% of this LCA. 

During operation phase, the irreversible unmitigated impact will be the same as the construction phase. 

Large

Large

LCA06

Wan Chai City Grid Mixed Urban LCA

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LCA07

Victoria Harbour Strait LCA

Temporary works for the construction of marine cofferdam, and associated works at Hung Hom Landfall and IMT Construction across Victoria Harbour during construction phase.

No permanent works are proposed during operation phase. 

Temporary and localized alienation of part of Victoria Harbour for the IMT Construction. 

Small

Negligible

LCA08

Causeway Bay Medium/High-rise Commercial LCA

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LCA09

Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter LCA

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LCA10

Victoria Park Urban LCA

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LCA11

Wan Chai Phase II Reclamation Major Development LCA

Direct impact due to the temporary works areas for site facilities during construction phase. 

There will be some but very small change in the landscape character of this LCA during construction phase due to the temporary works for site facilities for the Project.  During operation phase, temporary works areas within this LCA will become works site for the construction of waterfront promenade.  The impact on this LCA due to the project will become negligible. 

Small

Negligible

LCA12

Hung Hom Mixed Modern Comprehensive Urban Development LCA

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LCA13

Hung Hom Residential Urban LCA

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LCA14

Hung Hom Transportation Corridor LCA

Direct impact from demolition of MTR Freight Operation Building, construction of NOV, demolition and re-provision of the existing pier in Hung Hom and associated temporary works during construction phase and subsequent operation of the NOV during operation phase. 

There would be some change of landscape character temporarily due to the proposed demolition, construction and associated temporary works.  The extent of works is localized within the Freight Terminal. 

During operation phase, the irreversible unmitigated impact will be same as the construction phase

Small

Small

LCA15

Tsim Sha Tsui Medium/High- Rise Commercial Urban Landscape

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LCA 16

ID number not used

LCA17

Shek O Quarry LCA

Direct impact from operation of IMT Casting Basin at Shek O

There would be some but small change in the landscape character during construction due to IMT casting basin. 

Small

Negligible

LCA18

Shek O Hillside Woodland LCA

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

LCA19

Tai Tam Bay Landscape LCA

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

Note:   Tree numbers described in Table 7.6 are estimated number only.  Exact number of trees to be retained, transplanted and felled will be determined during application of Tree Removal Application in accordance with ETWB TC(W) No. 3/2006.

Significance of Unmitigated Landscape Impacts

7.51        The significance of landscape impacts, before implementation of mitigation measures, in the construction and operation phases are assessed and presented in Table 7.11. 

7.52        The significance of unmitigated impacts on landscape resources would vary from substantial to insubstantial.  They are described as below. 

7.53        LR01 – Victoria Harbour is a valuable water resource with high sensitivity.  There would be temporary and localized impact on Victoria Harbour due to the works for marine cofferdam and associated works at Hung Hom Landfall and IMT construction during construction phase.  The magnitude of impact is considered as small.  The resultant unmitigated impact is considered as moderate.  There will not be any impact on this LR during operation phase when the temporary works are completed. 

7.54        LR02 – Hong Kong Park is an open space with high sensitivity.  The existing electricity sub-station and area adjacent to the south entrance of Hong Kong Park at Supreme Court Road will be acquired for the construction of the HKB under the SIL(E) project.  The shaft to be dug under the SIL(E) project within the HKB will be used by the Project as a construction shaft for access and mucking out point for construction of overrun tunnel.  Upon completion of the underground works, the superstructure of the HKB will be reinstated with minor modifications under the Project.  Since the site for the HKB would have been disturbed by SIL(E) prior to the use by the Project, there would not be any additional impact on existing trees during the construction of the Project.  A small portion of hard paved area including some climbing plants attached to the HKB proposed under SIL(E) will be permanently loss for the construction of the superstructure of SCL(HUH-ADM).  The magnitude of impact on this LR due to the Project is considered as small and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operation phases is moderate. 

7.55        LR03 – Harcourt Garden is an open space with medium sensitivity.  Aboveground structures including ventilation shafts, transformer bay and cooling tower of the Project at ADM will be constructed under the SIL(E) Project.  The landscape impact assessment due to the construction of ADM aboveground structures, therefore, has been assessed and addressed in SIL(E) EIA Report.  During construction phase of the Project, mucking out works, internal fitting-out and track laying in ADM and some minor aboveground construction works at ADM will be carried out whilst there would not be any additional landscape impact on existing trees and vegetation arising from the Project.    ADM is integrated station for the Project and SIL(E) that land alienation at Harcourt Garden during operation stage has been assessed and addressed in the SIL(E) EIA Report.  As such, impact on this LR due to the Project is limited to construction phase.  The magnitude of impact is considered as small and the resultant unmitigated impact is moderate.  

7.56        LR06 – Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space is an open space with medium sensitivity.  This area will be temporarily alienated during construction and a number of trees will be removed.  The magnitude of such impact is large.  The unmitigated landscape impact during construction and operation phases on this LR is moderate. 

7.57        LR06a – Tree Planting at Wan Chai West Sewage Screening Plant is of medium sensitivity.  This resource will be removed during construction phase.  The magnitude of impact is large.  The unmitigated landscape impact during construction and operation phases on this LR is moderate. 

7.58        LR12 - Planting Area at Convention Avenue Bus Terminus and LR18 - Landscape Area in POC are some amenity landscape areas within Wan Chai.  Existing trees are the key resources of these amenity areas.  Trees found are common species and of semi-mature to mature size.  Their sensitivity is considered as medium.  These resources will be permanently and irreversibly lost due to the proposed EXH and associated IGH/TP reprovisioning and proposed SOV and POC reprovisioning.  This impact is considered as large.  The unmitigated landscape impact on these LRs during construction and operation is moderate. 

7.59        LR13 - Harbour Road Sports Centre provides active recreation facilities to Wan Chai Area.  There are a number of existing trees found around the building.  Trees found are common species and of average semi-mature to mature size.  The sensitivity of this LR is considered as medium.  A new IGH/TP will be constructed during construction phase.  Existing recreation facilities will be demolished upon new facilities are reprovided.   Part of the existing trees found within this LR will be removed from the site.  This impact is considered as large.  The unmitigated landscape impact on this LR during construction and operation is moderate. 

7.60        LR 14 - Wan Chai Sports Ground is a major outdoor recreational ground of Wan Chai.  There are a number of existing trees found within the Sports Ground.  Trees found are common species and of average semi-mature to mature size.  The sensitivity of this LR is considered as high.  Part of this LR will be demolished during construction phase which includes part of existing grandstand.  Existing trees within the works area will be removed from the site.  The impact is considered as large.  The unmitigated impact on this LR during construction and operation is substantial.  

7.61        LR15 - Amenity Areas at Gloucester Road and Cross Harbour Tunnel Entrance are large amenity area with many trees of semi-mature size.  The sensitivity of this LR is high.  This resource will be temporarily alienated for temporary works for tunnel construction during the construction phase.  Many of the trees within the amenity area will be removed.  This impact is considered as large.  The unmitigated landscape impact on this LR during construction and operation phases is substantial. 

7.62        LR16 - Tunnel Approach Rest Garden is an open space with high sensitivity.  This resource will be temporarily alienated for temporary works for tunnel construction during construction phase.  Many of the existing trees will be removed.  The magnitude of impact to this LR is considered as large.  The unmitigated landscape impact on this LR during construction and operation phases is substantial.

7.63        For LR18 - Landscape Area in POC is a landscape resource with medium sensitivity.  This resource will be temporarily alienated during construction phase.  Most of the existing trees will be removed.  The magnitude of impact on this LR is considered as large.  The unmitigated landscape impact on this LR during construction and operation phases is moderate.   

7.64        For LR27 - Shek O Quarry is a resource with low sensitivity.  It will be temporarily alienated during construction.    The magnitude of impact on this LR is small.  The unmitigated landscape impact on this LR during construction and operation phases is slight. 

7.65        The significance of unmitigated impacts on landscape character areas would vary from substantial to insubstantial.  They are described as below. 

7.66        The HKB will be constructed under the SIL(E) project, and used by the Project as a construction shaft for access and mucking out during the construction of the overrun tunnel.  Upon completion of the tunnelling works, the superstructure of the HKB will be built under the Project.  During the construction phase of this Project, the magnitude of impact on LCA03 - Hong Kong Park Urban LCA is considered as small due to the mucking out work is localised and very minor.  During the operation phase, only a very small proportion of land within this LCA will be permanently alienated by the portion of HKB for this Project.  The magnitude of impact is considered as small.  Since the sensitivity of this LCA03 is high, the resultant significance of unmitigated impact on this LCA is moderate.  

7.67        Aboveground structures including ventilation shafts, transformer bay and cooling tower of the Project at ADM will be constructed under the SIL(E) Project.  The landscape impact assessment due to the construction of ADM aboveground structures has been covered in the SIL(E) EIA Report.  There would not be any additional landscape impact during the construction of the Project.  The magnitude of impact due to the project is small.  The sensitivity of LCA04 - Admiralty and Wan Chai High-rise Commercial Urban LCA is considered as low particularly for underground railway development.  The resultant significance of unmitigated impact on this LCA is slight.  During operation of the Project, the magnitude of impact is small as only relatively small areas of the LCA will be affected by ADM aboveground structures.  The significance of unmitigated impact is considered as slight during operation phase. 

7.68        There would be large magnitude of direct impact on LCA05 - Wan Chai Civic Urban Waterfront LCA during construction phase due to the demolition of POC and construction of SOV and POC reprovisioning, demolition and re-provisioning of part of Wan Chai Sports Ground, temporary works between EXH and the SOV, operation of barging points at Wan Chai Promenade, construction of EXH and associated railway facilities including reprovisioning of IGH/TP and construction of EAP.  The sensitivity of this LCA is considered as medium and therefore the resultant significance of unmitigated landscape impact on this LCA would be moderate.  During operation phase, the unmitigated impact is the same as construction phase without mitigation measures and therefore the significance of impact on this landscape resource during operation remains moderate. 

7.69        There would be temporary and localized impact on LCA07 - Victoria Harbour Strait LCA due to the temporary works for marine cofferdam and associated works at Hung Hom Landfall and IMT construction.  The sensitivity of this LCA is high.  The magnitude of impact is considered as small.  The resultant unmitigated impact is considered as moderate during construction phase.  There would not be any impact during operation phase when temporary works are removed. 

7.70        There would be small magnitude of direct impact on LCA11 - Wan Chai Phase II Reclamation Major Development LCA during construction phase due to small temporary works areas at the edge of this LCA.  The sensitivity of this LCA is considered as low and therefore the resultant significance of unmitigated landscape impact on this LCA would be slight.  During operation phase, this LCA would evolve from a character dominated by works areas for future urban waterfront development.  The impact on this LCA due to the project becomes negligible. 

7.71        There would be some small magnitude of impact on LCA14 - Hung Hom Transportation Corridor LCA due to the demolition of Kowloon Freight Building, construction of NOV, demolition and re-provision of the existing pier at Hung Hom and operation of barging points at Hung Hom Freight Pier.  As the sensitivity of these LCA is low and the resultant significance of unmitigated landscape impact on this LCA would be slight.  During operation phase, the significance of unmitigated impact during the operation is the same as construction without mitigation measures and therefore the significance of impact on this landscape resource during operation remains slight. 

7.72        LCA17 – Shek O Quarry LCA is mainly a former open quarry with low sensitivity.  During construction phase, the former quarry will be used as IMT Casting Basin.  The magnitude of change is considered as small.  The resultant significance of unmitigated landscape impact on this LCA is considered as slight.  During operation phase, the site will be reinstated and the magnitude of impact is negligible and the resultant significance of unmitigated impact on this LCA would be insubstantial. 

7.73        There would not be any discernable landscape impact on other LRs and LCAs and therefore significance of unmitigated impact on the remaining LRs and LCAs is insubstantial. 

 

Visual Impact Assessment

Sources of Visual Impacts

7.74        The sources of visual impacts due to the Project would create varying levels of visual impact during construction and operation phases of the Project.  Potential impacts would result from the temporary works during construction phase and permanent aboveground structure elements during operation phase.

7.75        The sources of visual impacts in the construction phase would include:

·                     demolition of existing Kowloon Freight Building at Hung Hom Landfall;

·                     construction of NOV at Hung Hom Freight Terminal;

·                     demolition and re-provision of the existing Freight Pier in Hung Hom;

·                     construction of marine cofferdam (temporary reclamation involved) and associated works at Hung Hom Landfall;

·                     IMT construction across Victoria Harbour;

·                     construction of cut and cover tunnel for both land and marine section;

·                     construction of the SOV on the site of the POC. This will entail the demolition and reconstruction of the POC located close to the Cross Harbour Tunnel Entrance;

·                     construction of TBM tunnel shafts;

·                     demolition and re-provision of parts of the Wan Chai Sports Ground, and temporary works areas between EXH and SOV;

·                     construction of underground EXH and associated entrances, plant buildings and ventilation shafts located at the east of the Hong Kong Convention Centre. The construction of this will require demolition and re-provision of the IGH/TP, and the demolition and re-provision of the existing PTI located at the north of Great Eagle Complex;

·                     construction of cut and cover tunnels adjacent to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre;

·                     temporary works sites between ADM and the proposed EXH;

·                     construction of EAP at Fenwick Street Children’s Playground;

·                     temporary works for demolition of pump house and piles removal of West Sewage Screening Plant;

·                     mucking out works, internal fitting-out, track laying works at ADM and some minor aboveground construction works at ADM;

·                     mucking out works at HKB and construction of superstructure and reinstatement works at HKB;

·                     barging points at Wanchai Promenade and Hung Hom Freight Pier;

·                     temporary off-site works areas for IMT casting basin at Shek O; 

·                     temporary site access areas, site cabins and heavy machinery;

·                     loss of existing trees and other vegetation during construction;

·                     after dark lighting; and

·                     dust during dry weather.

7.76        The sources of visual impacts in the operation phase would include:

·                     operation of NOV at Hung Hom Freight Terminal;

·                     operation of SOV on the site of the POC;

·                     operation of underground EXH and associated entrances, plant buildings and ventilation shafts located to the east of the HK Convention Centre;

·                     operation of EAP at Fenwick Street Children’s Playground;

·                     operation of ADM Ventilation Shafts, Transformer Bay and Cooling Tower at Harcourt Garden;

·                     operation of portion of HKB under the Project;

·                     permanent removal of existing trees and other vegetation; and

·                     change of landscape character permanently due to the proposed development.

7.77        The locations and development details of permanent aboveground structures that would cause potential visual impact are summarized in Table 7.7. 

Table 7.7          Locations and Development Details of Permanent Aboveground Structures

Permanent Aboveground Structures

Locations

Approximately Coverage and Height

NOV

South of Hung Hom Coliseum

(40m x 22m) x 9m High

SOV

Same location of existing POC

(152m x 84m) x 10m High

EXH Entrance A

North of Great Eagle Centre

(53m x 15m) x 15m High

EXH Entrance B

West of Wanchai Sports Ground

(32m x 21m) x 15m High

EXH Ventilation Shaft

Junction of Fleming Road and Convention Avenue

(6m x 6m) x 5m High

Plant Building near entrance A

Junction of Fleming Road and Harbour Road

(22m x 9m) x 10m High

(9m x 9m) x 10m High

(4m x 9m) x 10m High

Plant Building near entrance B

Junction of Tonnochy Road and Harbour Road

(32 m x 21 m) x 15m High

Emergency Access Point (EAP)

Fenwick Street Children’s Playground

(7 m x 4 m ) x 4m High

ADM Ventilation Shafts

North of Harcourt Garden

(5m x 22m) x 15m High

(5m x 14m) x 15m High

ADM Cooling Tower

North of Harcourt Garden

(23m x 29m ) x 20m High

ADM Transformer Bay

Next to existing plant building along Harcourt Road

(8m x 9m) x 15m High

HKB

East of Hong Kong Park

(12m x 3m) x 15m High

 

Magnitude of Visual Impacts

7.78        The magnitude of impacts during construction and operation phases is assessed based on the viewing distance, compatibility of the Project with the surrounding landscape, duration of impacts, scale of development, reversibility of change and potential blockage of view as shown in Table 7.8. 

7.79        During construction phase, the proposed temporary works at Hung Hom for demolition of Kowloon Freight Building, construction of NOV and re-provision of the existing Freight Pier, operation of barging points at existing Freight Pier and at Victoria Harbour for marine cofferdam and associated works at Hung Hom Landfall and IMT construction are generally low to medium compatibility to the surrounding landscape.  The duration of impact is medium and the scale of development is large.  However the changes are reversible and there would not be any potential blockage of view.  There would be small magnitude of impact on VSRs C28, C29, C30, C31, C32, C33, C34, C35 and O7 who view the project at a long distance.  There would not be any impact on these VSRs during operation phase when the main source of visual impact comes from the temporary works and barging point are removed.  There would be intermediate magnitude of impact on VSRs C36, C40, OU2, OU3 and T5 who view the project at a closer distance.  During the operation phase, the source of impact on these VSRs comes from NOV only.  The compatibility of the NOV to the surrounding landscape is considered as medium.  The scale of NOV is considered as small and localized.  There would not be any potential blockage of views on these VSRs.  The magnitude of impact on VSRs C36, C40, OU2, OU3 and T5 would be reduced to small. 

7.80        During construction phase, the proposed temporary works at Causeway Bay for construction of SOV and POC re-provisioning, construction of TBM tunnel shafts are considered as low compatibility to the surrounding landscape.  The duration of impact is medium.  The scale and extent of construction work are large.  However, the changes are reversible and there would not be any potential blockage of view.  There would be intermediate magnitude of impact on VSRs C23, C24, C25, C/R2, C/R3, C/R4, C/R5, O10, OU1 and T2 who view the project at closer distance.  There would be small magnitude of impact on VSRs C26, C27, C/R6, C/R7, GIC3, GIC4 and O6 who view the project at a longer distance.  During operation phase, the sources of visual impact are localized and only comes from the SOV and reprovisioned POC after the temporary works are removed, the magnitude of impact would be small on these VSRs.  VSRs GIC2 and O5 do not exist during construction phase as the POC and Tunnel Approach Rest Garden becomes construction site.  During operation phase, there would be large magnitude of impact on GIC2 as there would be dramatic change in visual character of POC after reprovisioning.  The magnitude of impact on O5 during operation phase would be small when the temporary works are removed. 

7.81        During construction phase, the proposed temporary works at Wan Chai North for demolition and re-provision of parts of the Wan Chai Sport Ground, construction of EXH, Entrance A and B, Plant buildings, Ventilation Shafts, re-provisioning of PTI and IGH/TP and construction of EAP, temporary works for tunnel construction, and operation of barging points at Wan Chai Promenade are considered as low to medium compatibility to the surrounding landscape.  The duration of impact is medium.  The scale and extent of construction work are large.  However, the change is reversible and there would not be any to partial potential blockage of view.  There would be intermediate magnitude of impact on C01, C02, C03, C04, C05, C11, C12, C13, C14, GIC8, GIC9 and O2.  There would not be any impact on these VSRs during operation phase when the main source of visual impact comes from the temporary works are removed.  There would be large magnitude of impact on VSRs C19, C20, O3, O4, O9 and T3 who are close to the construction site at EXH.  There would be intermediate magnitude of impact on VSRs C15, C16, C17, C18, C20a, C21, C22 and C/R1 who view the construction activities at a longer distance.  During operation phase, the magnitude of impact would be intermediate on VSRs C15, C16, C17, C18, C19, C20, C20a, C21, C22, C/R1, O3, O4, O9 and T3, as the source of visual impact is localised and only comes from the EXH as the temporary works are removed. 

7.82        During construction phase, the magnitude of impact on VSR C38 due to the construction site at Wan Chai North would be small as this VSR are approximate 3000m away from the source of impact.  There would not be any impact on this VSR during operation phase when the temporary works are removed. 

7.83        The magnitude of impact on VSR C39 due to the construction and operation of EXH would be small during construction and operation phase as this VSR are at a distance of 1600m away from the source of impact. 

7.84        VSR O1 does not exist during construction phase as the Fenwick Pier Public Open Space becomes a construction site.  During operation phase, there would be localized and small impact due to the opening of EAP from the existing ventilation building. 

7.85        During construction phase, there would be intermediate magnitude of impact on VSR T1 due to the construction site at Hung Hom, Victoria Harbour, Causeway Bay and Wan Chai North.  During operation phase, the impact would be significantly reduced to small as the source of impact comes from the localized individual aboveground structures of the Project. 

7.86        During construction phase, the proposed temporary works at ADM are considered as small scale including mucking out works, internal fitting-out and track laying works in ADM, and some minor aboveground construction works at ADM.  The compatibility of the works to adjacent landscape is considered as medium.  The duration of impact is medium.  The changes during construction phase are reversible.  There would not be any potential blockage of view.  There would be small impact on VSRs C06, C07, C08, C09, C10, GIC1, GIC7 and T4.  During operation phase, the sources of impact come from the localized ADM Ventilation Shafts, Transformer Bay and Cooling Tower.  The magnitude on these VSRs would be small. 

7.87        The proposed temporary works at Hong Kong Park during construction phase include minor mucking out works at the HKB and construction of superstructure and reinstatement works.  The temporary works are considered as low compatibility to surrounding landscape, the duration of impact is medium.  The scale of construction works is medium.  The changes due to the temporary works are reversible.  There would not be any potential blockage of view.  The magnitude of impact on C37, GIC5, GIC6 and O8 is considered as intermediate.  During the operation phase, the source of impact comes from the localized superstructure of the SCL ventilation facilities at HKB.  The magnitude of impact would be small. 

Significance of Unmitigated Visual Impacts

7.88        The significance of visual impacts, before the implementation of mitigation measures, in the construction phase and operation phase are assessed in accordance with the methodology set out in Table 7.2 of the Report and described in Table 7.12.  All impacts are adverse unless otherwise stated.

7.89        During construction phase, there would be slight unmitigated impact on VSRs C28, C29, C30, C31, C32, C33, C34 and C35 due to the temporary works at Hung Hom and Victoria Harbour Areas.  There would be moderate unmitigated impact on VSRs O7.  There would not be any impact on these VSRs during operation phase when proposed temporary works are removed. 

7.90        There would be moderate unmitigated impact due to the temporary work at Hung Hom Area on VSRs C36, C40 OU2, OU3 and T5 during construction phase.  The unmitigated impact would be reduced to slight due to the small and localized aboveground structure of NOV. 

7.91        During construction phase, there would be moderate unmitigated impact on VSRs C23, C24, C25, C/R2, C/R3, C/R4, C/R5, C/R6, C/R7, O6, O10 and OU1 due to the temporary work at Causeway Bay Area.  During operation phase, the unmitigated impact on these VSRs remains moderate due to the permanent aboveground structures at SOC and re-provisioned POC.  There would be slight unmitigated impact due to the temporary works at Causeway Bay on VSRs C26, C27, GIC3 and GIC4 who are further away from the source of impact.  The unmitigated impact on these VSRs remains slight during operation phase.  There would be moderate unmitigated impact on VSRs T2 due to the temporary works at Causeway Bay Area.  Because these VSRs are travelling at speed, the localized impact due to the SOV and re-provisioned POC on these VSRs becomes slight.  There would be moderate unmitigated impact on GIC2 and O5 due to the operation of SOV and re-provisioned POC. 

7.92        During construction phase, there would be moderate unmitigated impact on VSRs C01, C02, C03, C04, C05, C11, C12, C13, C14, C38, GIC8, GIC9 and O2 due to the temporary works at Wan Chai North Area.  There would not be any impact on these VSRs when temporary works are removed.  There would also be moderate unmitigated impact on VSRs C15, C16, C17, C18, C19, C20, C20a, C21, C22, C/R1, O9 and T3 due to the temporary works for EXH at Wan Chai North.  The unmitigated impact on these VSRs remains moderate during operation phase due to the EXH.  There would be substantial unmitigated impact on VSRs O3 and O4 due to the temporary works at Wan Chai North Area.  The unmitigated impact on these VSRs would be reduced to slightly to moderate during operation phase due to the EXH.  There would be slight unmitigated impact on VSRs C39 during both construction and operation phase as these VSRs are far away from the source of impact. 

7.93        During construction phase, there would be moderate unmitigated impact on VSRs T1 due to the temporary works areas at Hung Hom, Victoria Harbour, Causeway Bay and Wan Chai North.  The unmitigated impact would be reduced significantly to slight during operation phase due to the proposed permanent aboveground structures are small and localized. 

7.94        During operation phase, there would be moderate unmitigated impact on VSR O1 due to EAP. 

7.95        During the construction phase, there would be slight unmitigated impact on C06, C07, C08, C09, C10, GIC1, GIC7 and T4 due to some minor works proposed at ADM.  During the operation phase, the unmitigated impact remains slight due to the localized ADM Ventilation Shafts, Transformer Bay and Cooling Tower. 

7.96        During construction phase, there would be moderate unmitigated impact on C37, GIC5, GIC6 and O8 due to the temporary works at Hong Kong Park.  The unmitigated impact on VSRs C37 and O8 would remain moderate and the unmitigated impact on VSRs GIC5 and GIC6 would be slight as they are slightly further away from the HKB during operation phase. 

Recommendation on Photomontage Viewpoints

7.97        Photomontages at representative locations showing comparison between existing views, proposals on day 1 after completion without mitigation measures, on day 1 after completion with mitigation measures, and in year 10 after completion with mitigation measures will be provided in accordance with EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2010.

7.98        Based on the location of the proposed aboveground structures, proposed viewpoint from key representative VSRs are mapped in Figure Nos. NEX2213/C/331/ENS/M54/080 to 083 and shown in Figure Nos. NEX2213/C/331/ENS/M54/085 to 094.  They are described as follow:

·                     Viewpoint V1 from Hong Kong Coliseum looking towards NOV;  

·                     Viewpoint V2 from Causeway Bay Waterfront looking towards SOV and re-provisioned POC at Police Officers’ Club;

·                     Viewpoint V2-1 from an elevated level at footbridge looking towards SOV and re-provisioned POC;

·                     Viewpoint V3 from Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre looking towards EXH Entrance A and Plant Building;

·                     Viewpoint V4 from Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre looking towards EXH Ventilation Shaft;

·                     Viewpoint V5 from Renaissance Harbour View Hotel looking towards EXH Ventilation Shaft;

·                     Viewpoint V6 from Great Eagle Centre looking towards EXH Entrance A and Plant Building;

·                     Viewpoint V7 from Wan Chai Waterfront looking towards EXH, Plant Building and re-provisioned IGH/TP;

·                     Viewpoint V8 from South at Supreme Court Road in front of Hong Kong Park entrance looking towards HKB.  

7.99        The criteria for the selection of representative viewpoints for photomontages include: -

·                     the viewpoints which cover the aboveground structure viewed from major public viewpoint represents key VSRs or VSR groups who would be potentially affected by the proposed permanent structures; and

·                     the viewpoints shall be able to represent the worst case scenarios and demonstrate the compatibility of the aboveground structures to the adjacent visual context and illustrate the visual effect during Day 1 without mitigation measures, Day 1 with mitigation measures and Year 10 with mitigation measures.

 


Table 7.8          Magnitude of Visual Impact during Construction and Operation Phases

VSR ID.

Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR)

Source of Visual Impact

Viewing Distance

(m)

Compatibility of the Project with the Surrounding Landscape

(High/ Medium/ Low)

Duration of Impacts

(Long/ Medium/ Short)

Scale of Development

(Large/ Medium/ Small)

Reversibility of Change

(Yes/ No)

Potential Blockage of View

(Full/ Partial/ Nil)

Magnitude of Change

(Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)

Construction

Operation

Construction

Operation

Construction

Operation

Construction

Operation

Construction

Operation

Construction

Operation

VSRs within the Visual Envelope of On-site Works Areas

C01

International Finance Centre

TWA4

1000

Medium

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Yes

-

Nil

-

Intermediate

-

C02

Two International Finance Centre

TWA4

900

Medium

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Yes

-

Nil

-

Intermediate

-

C03

Exchange Square

TWA4

900

Medium

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Yes

-

Nil

-

Intermediate

-

C04

Hutchison House

TWA4

600

Medium

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Yes

-

Nil

-

Intermediate

-

C05

Bank of America Tower

TWA4

600

Medium

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Yes

-

Nil

-

Intermediate

-

C06

Far East Financial Centre

TWA6, ADM AS

400

Medium

Medium

Medium

Long

Small

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Small

Small

C07

Admiralty Centre

TWA6, ADM AS

250

Medium

Medium

Medium

Long

Small

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Small

Small

C08

United Centre

TWA6, ADM AS

200

Medium

Medium

Medium

Long

Small

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Small

Small

C09

CITIC Tower

TWA6, ADM AS

30

Medium

Medium

Medium

Long

Small

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Small

Small

C10

Pacific Place

TWA6, ADM AS

150

Medium

Medium

Medium

Long

Small

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Small

Small

C11

Fleet Arcade

TWA4

10

Medium

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Yes

-

Nil

-

Intermediate

-

C12

Telecom House

TWA4

100

Medium

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Yes

-

Nil

-

Intermediate

-

C13

Harbour View International House

TWA4

120

Medium

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Yes

-

Nil

-

Intermediate

-

C14

Shui On Centre

TWA4

100

Medium

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Yes

-

Nil

-

Intermediate

-

C15

Central Plaza

TWA4, EXH

60

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Medium

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Intermediate

C16

Grand Hyatt Hotel

TWA4, EXH

200

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Medium

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Intermediate

C17

Renaissance Harbour View Hotel

TWA4, EXH

30

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Medium

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Intermediate

C18

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

TWA4, EXH

30

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Medium

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Intermediate

C19

Great Eagle Centre

TWA4, EXH

0

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Medium

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Large

Intermediate

C20

Harbour Centre

TWA4, EXH

0

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Medium

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Large

Intermediate

C20a

China Resources Building

TWA4, EXH

100

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Medium

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Intermediate

C21

Sun Hung Kai Centre

TWA4, EXH

20

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Medium

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Intermediate

C22

AXA Centre

TWA4, EXH

100

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Medium

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Intermediate

C23

Sino Plaza

TWA3, SOV and POC

130

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Small

C24

World Trade Centre

TWA3, SOV and POC

100

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Small

C25

Excelsior Hotel

TWA3, SOV and POC

120

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Small

C26

Citicorp Centre

TWA3, SOV and POC

800

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Small

Small

C27

Victoria Centre

TWA3, SOV and POC

800

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Small

Small

C28

Inter Continental Hotel

TWA1, TWA2

1200

Low

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Yes

-

Nil

-

Small

-

C29

New World Centre and Hotel

TWA1, TWA2

1250

Low

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Yes

-

Nil

-

Small

-

C30

Wing On Plaza

TWA1, TWA2

1500

Low

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Yes

-

Nil

-

Small

-

C31

Shangri La Hotel

TWA1, TWA2

1500

Low

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Yes

-

Nil

-

Small

-

C32

Tsim Sha Tsui Centre

TWA1, TWA2

1500

Low

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Yes

-

Nil

-

Small

-

C33

Empire Centre

TWA1, TWA2

1600

Low

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Yes

-

Nil

-

Small

-

C34

Grand Stanford Harbour View Hotel

TWA1, TWA2

1600

Low

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Yes

-

Nil

-

Small

-

C35

Nikko Hotel

TWA1, TWA2

1600

Low

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Yes

-

Nil

-

Small

-

C36

Harbour Plaza Metropolis

TWA1, TWA2, NOV

200

Medium

Medium

Medium

Long

Medium

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Small

C37

Island Shangri-la and Conrad International Hotel

TWA5, HKB

20

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Medium

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Small

C38

International Commerce Centre

TWA4

3000

Low

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Yes

-

Partial

-

Small

-

C39

The Masterpiece

TWA4, EXH

1600

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Medium

Yes

No

Partial

Partial

Small

Small

C40

Harbourfront Horizon

TWA1, TWA2, NOV

30

Medium

Medium

Medium

Long

Medium

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Small

C/R1

Causeway Centre

TWA4, EXH

70

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Medium

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Intermediate

C/R2

160 - 169 Gloucester Road

TWA3, SOV and POC

60

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Small

C/R3

210 - 226 Gloucester Road

TWA3, SOV and POC

60

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Small

C/R4

Elizabeth House

TWA3, SOV and POC

60

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Small

C/R5

256 - 275 Gloucester Road

TWA3, SOV and POC

60

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Small

C/R6

Riviera, Prospect, Miami and Marco Polo Mansion

TWA3, SOV and POC

200

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Small

Small

C/R7

40 - 104 Hing Fat Street

TWA3, SOV and POC

800

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Small

Small

GIC1

Hong Kong Police Force Headquarters

TWA6, ADM AS

60

Medium

Medium

Medium

Long

Small

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Small

Small

GIC2

Police Officers’ Club

SOV and POC

0

-

Medium

-

Long

-

Small

-

No

-

Nil

-

Large

GIC3

Hing Fat Street Post Office

TWA3, SOV and POC

800

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Small

Small

GIC4

Victoria Park School for the Deaf

TWA3, SOV and POC

800

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Small

Small

GIC5

British Council and British Consulate General

TWA5, HKB

50

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Medium

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Small

GIC6

High Court Building and Queensway Government Office

TWA5, HKB

50

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Medium

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Small

GIC7

Hong Kong Red Cross

TWA6, ADM AS

50

Medium

Medium

Medium

Long

Small

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Small

Small

GIC8

Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts

TWA4

20

Medium

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Yes

-

Nil

-

Intermediate

-

GIC9

Hong Kong Arts Centre

TWA4

60

Medium

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Yes

-

Nil

-

Intermediate

-

O1

Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space

EAP

0

-

Medium

-

Long

-

Small

-

No

-

Nil

-

Small

O2

HKCEC Open Space

TWA4

10

Low

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Yes

-

Nil

-

Intermediate

-

O3

HKCEC Promenade

TWA4, EXH

30

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Medium

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Large

Intermediate

O4

Wan Chai Sports Ground

TWA4, EXH

0

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Medium

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Large

Intermediate

O5

Tunnel Approach Rest Garden

SOV and POC

200

-

Medium

-

Long

-

Small

-

No

-

Nil

-

Small

O6

Tung Lo Wan Garden

TWA3, SOV and POC

200

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Small

Small

O7

Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront Promenade

TWA1, TWA2

1200

Low

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Yes

-

Nil

-

Small

-

O8

Hong Kong Park

TWA5, HKB

0

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Medium

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Small

O9

Wan Chai Waterfront

TWA4, EXH

30

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Medium

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Large

Intermediate

O10

Causeway Bay Waterfront

TWA3, SOV and POC

80

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Small

OU1

Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club

TWA3, SOV and POC

60

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Small

OU2

Hong Kong Coliseum

TWA1, TWA2, NOV

40

Medium

Medium

Medium

Long

Medium

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Small

OU3

Freight Terminal

TWA1, TWA2, NOV

0

Medium

Medium

Medium

Long

Medium

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Small

T1

Ferry in Victoria Harbour

TWA1, TWA2, TWA3, TWA4, NOV, EXH, SOV and POC

80

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Small

T2

Wan Chai Interchange

TWA3, SOV and POC

0

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Small

T3

Convention Avenue and Fleming Road

TWA4, EXH

10

Low

Medium

Medium

Long

Large

Medium

Yes

No

Partial

Partial

Large

Intermediate

T4

Harcourt Road

TWA6, ADM AS

10

Medium

Medium

Medium

Long

Small

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Small

Small

T5

Travellers on Salisbury Flyover

TWA1, TWA2, NOV

50

Medium

Medium

Medium

Long

Medium

Small

Yes

No

Nil

Nil

Intermediate

Small

Note:    R = Residential; C = Commercial, C/R = Commercial/Residential, GIC = Government/Institution/Community, I = Industrials, O = Open space, OU = Others Use; T = Transport related

             NOV = North Ventilation Building, Plant Rooms and Emergency Access;

             SOV and POC = South Ventilation Shafts, Plant Rooms and Emergency Access and re-provisioning of Police Officers’ Club;

             EXH = Exhibition Station, Entrance A and B, Plant Buildings, Ventilation Shafts and re-provisioning of PTI and IGH/TP, Harbour Road Sports Centre and Wan Chai Swimming Pool;

             EAP = Emergency Access Point at Fenwick Street Children’s Playground;

             ADM AS = ADM aboveground structures including Ventilation Shafts, Transformer Bay and Cooling Tower;

             HKB = Hong Kong Park Ventilation Building;

             TWA1 = Temporary Works Areas at Hung Hom for demolition of Kowloon Freight Building, construction of North Ventilation Building, Plant Rooms and Emergency Access, demolition and re-provision of the existing Freight Pier and operation of barging points at existing Freight Pier;

             TWA2 = Temporary Works Areas at Victoria Harbour for marine cofferdam associated works at Hung Hom Landfall and IMT construction;

             TWA3 = Temporary Works Areas at Causeway Bay for construction of South Ventilation Shafts, Plant Rooms and Emergency Access and Police Officers’ Club re-provisioning, construction of TBM tunnel shafts;

             TWA4 = Temporary Works Areas at Wan Chai North for demolition and re-provision of parts of the Wan Chai Sport Ground, construction of Exhibition Station, Entrance A and B, Plant Buildings, Ventilation Shafts and reprovisioning of PTI and IGH/TP, Harbour Road Sports Centre and Wan Chai Swimming Pool, temporary works for tunnel construction, and operation of barging points at Wan Chai Promenade, construction of Emergency Access Point at Fenwick Street Children’s Playground, demolition of pump house and piles removal of Wan Chai West Sewage Screening Plant;

             TWA5 = Temporary Works Areas for construction of Hong Kong Park Ventilation Building;

             TWA6 = Temporary Works Areas at ADM;

             CBSO = IMT Casting Basin at Shek O

Remarks:  1. There is no rating (-) on the compatibility of the Project with the surrounding landscape, duration of impacts, scale of development, reversibility of change, potential blockage of view and magnitude of impact for some VSRs during operation phase because the main source of visual impact comes from the temporary works are removed during operation phase. 

                  2. There is no rating (-) on the compatibility of the Project with the surrounding landscape, duration of impacts, scale of development, reversibility of change, potential blockage of view and magnitude of impact for some planned VSRs during construction phase because the planned VSRs do not exist during the construction phase. 

 


Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

Landscape and Aesthetic External Design Measures incorporated in the Proposed Scheme

7.100      The design of aboveground structures shall attempt to pose a positive gesture to integrate with the surrounding urban environments in an elegant manner.  All the aboveground elements shall have a “line-wide’ consistency in architectural articulation and material palette so that they are easily recognizable as part of the MTR system.  Landscape and aesthetic external design measures incorporated in the proposed scheme are illustrated in Figure Nos. NEX2213/C/331/ENS/M54/060 to 074. Details of these measures are described below. 

North Ventilation Building, Plant Rooms and Emergency Access (NOV) External Design and Landscape Proposals

7.101      Functionally the NOV is a rectangular structure lying to the south of the podium in what is currently the International Mail Centre freight yard.  It functions as a flood gate lock for the SCL alignment tunnels and also as a ventilation building for the same tunnels. The building will be visible from the surrounding high-rise developments and from pedestrians on the podium level adjacent the Coliseum.  

7.102      A strong geometric form, elegant and simple structural form is proposed.  The face of the longitudinal facade has been gently formed into two concave faces, back to back sandwiching the plant rooms.  This definition of the facade brings a very dynamic response to the whole facade and helps to create drama at the base of the Coliseum.  The Coliseum area can be generally defined as a zone where very strong geometrical form defines the landscape.  Green roof is proposed to offer visual respite and help to cool the plant room inside and limit the heat release at the night time.  Tree and shrub planting is proposed at grade to provide a degree of screening and reduce the relative mass of the building from surrounding visually sensitive receivers.

7.103      The concave facade has also been further articulated with cutouts allowing lights in and creating minimum relief on the curved face. The flat header wall offers the ideal surface to train vertical plant climbers to thrive. This wall will extend the green facade from the roof to the two header walls, creating an unison of plantings in the North-South axis.  Aesthetic design treatment, shrub planting and climbers will be applied to the seaward side of the ventilation building to alleviate the possible visual impact when viewing from Salisbury Flyover.  Landscape proposals for NOV are illustrated in Figure Nos. NEX2213/C/331/ENS/M54/062 and 063. 

South Ventilation Shafts, Plant Rooms and Emergency Access (SOV) and the Reprovisioning of Police Officers Club (POC) External Design and Landscape Proposals

7.104      The SOV is proposed to be located at the POC site in Causeway Bay.  This building will serve both the Project and the excavation for the underground portion of the SOV will also serve as a launch shaft for the Project’s TBM tunnel construction towards EXH.  As SOV aboveground provisions are designed to integrate with the POC development, the architectural treatment for both the SOV and POC shall be compatible.  The Project Proponent will co-ordinate the integrated design of SOV and POC to ensure that effective measures will be incorporated to mitigate potential visual impact. 

7.105      The ventilation shafts along Gloucester Road are proposed to be treated with terracotta slatted louvres which could soften the edge of the building and integrate with the structure for reduction of visual impact. The crenellated parapet will also help to break up the visual bulk.  The MTR maintenance area is proposed to be partially decked over and the ground level plant buildings can be softened with landscaping and shrubs to mitigate the visual impact.

7.106      The proposed external design treatment and landscape proposals of the SOV are illustrated in Figure Nos. NEX2213/C/331/ENS/M54/064 and 065.  The external treatment on building facing Gloucester Road is primarily a series of terraced decks.

7.107      The flat roof of SOV at level about +15.00mPD will be an extensive green roof.  The SOV is overlooked by high commercial and residential towers to the south in Causeway Bay and the green roof will provide a degree of visual mitigation.  The extensive green roof will be lightweighted and low maintenance. 

Exhibition Station (EXH) External Design and Landscape Proposals

7.108      EXH is the first underground station after the cross harbour section of the proposed Project alignment.  Two principal entrances are planned for this station; both make connections to the proposed landscape deck proposed under WDII Project, the elevated walkway system at podium level and the new PTI at ground level.  The area above the station will be used for the reprovisioning of the permanent taxi and private car drop off area, plant buildings, ventilation shafts and landscape area.  Therefore the positions of the entrances need to be carefully integrated with the planning of the area. Two entrances are provided including Entrance A located on the south western side of the station box and Entrance B located at the eastern end of the station. 

7.109      MTR has developed the ‘In Touch with Nature’ theme that recognizes the scenic nature of most of the existing East Rail Line (EAL) stations that gives the line its unique character.  For example many of the stations are in a semi-open environment and have views out to open sky.  It is intended that the theme will govern the design of future refurbishment works including the Project, so that a unique line-wide identity will be established over time.  This must be balanced by creating a design that is also appropriate for the immediate area and local community.  Factors such as maintaining views through to the harbour, providing a comfortable public realm at pedestrian level and proposing materials that relate to the local architecture have been considered in the design of the two station entrances.

7.110      The proposed external design treatment and landscape proposals of the EXH are illustrated in Figure No. NEX2213/C/331/ENS/M54/066 to 070.  In accordance with the proposed architectural theme, the building materials proposed for the Project will be warmer and have more texture than that of the existing underground railway lines.  Station finishes can adopt a more earthy tone which interplays with metallic elements such as the roof structure and systemwide components.  The station entrances are proposed to be clad in sand coloured terracotta, glass and steel. 

7.111      The landscape proposals focus on creating a coherent treatment to the spaces created by the new station structures.  Landscape proposals will include ground level treatments around the EXH Plant Buildings and Ventilation Shafts, Entrance A and B, the PTI area and the Ventilation Shafts to the east of Hong Kong Convention Centre.  The building has been set back along the eastern end of Harbour Road in order to retain a row of existing trees to mitigate the visual impacts of the new building on the Sun Hung Kai Centre to the north and to enhance the streetscape experience of Harbour Road. 

7.112      The PTI area will be designed to allow free movement of pedestrians from station exits to adjacent building entrances and escalators.  Clear, uncluttered paved areas will be provided.  Tree planting will be provided where possible to provide shade for waiting passengers and green the area to enhance the surrounding elevated views from adjacent buildings, the public podium and footbridge decks.  The northern edge of the PTI adjacent to Convention Avenue will provide a public footpath and an avenue tree planting that will help screening PTI activity and provide canopy shade for pedestrians.  Tree planting will be set back at PTI entrance to ensure compliance of vehicle sight line requirements.

7.113      The area west of the PTI to the north of EXH Entrance A and Plant Building provides the opportunity for a ground level landscape open space.  A grid of large canopy trees is proposed to create a shady environment suitable for passive seating areas.  A bold green space in this location will combined with the “green island” of the ventilation shafts to the east of Hong Kong Convention Centre contribute to the creation of a green spine leading to Expo Drive East. 

7.114      It is proposed to provide gentle planted mounding around the group of ventilation shafts to the east of Hong Kong Convention Centre.  The mounding and planting will reduce the apparent height of the ventilation shafts and screen them from adjacent VSRs.  Adequate clearance will be maintained between the shrub planting and the ventilation shafts to ensure that intakes and outlets are not obstructed.  Pedestrian circulation will be maintained around the perimeter along the roadside with paved footpath. 

7.115      The EXH station footprint is beyond the east of Tonnochy Road ending at and underneath the Wan Chai Sports Ground grandstand.  Due to the site constraint that Wan Chai Sports Ground will have to be maintained, the EXH ventilation facilities and ground level plant rooms are situated at the west of Tonnochy Road.  To the west of the EXH Plant Building and Ventilation Shaft, there will be the permanent PTI, the MTR EXH Entrance and LCSD’s facilities that limit the opportunity for shifting the Building further westward.  In addition, the Plant Building at ground level interlocks closely with the underground railway facilities and thus any change of the location of the facility at one level will significantly affect the facility at other levels.  Further shifting the Plant Building westward is prevented by the station concourse and platform public areas below. Furthermore, Fire Services Department requires that any ventilation shaft opening to be kept clear from any trees by minimum of 5m.  A landscape strip along the eastern facade will imply a significant set back of the Plant Building from Tonnochy Road which is not feasible for the reasons stated above.  The visual impact of these ventilation shafts has been minimised by integrating them with the ancillary Plant Building and also the Entrance.  This integration enables a consolidated and minimised footprint of the ground level railway facilities.  This concept is to greater use of available site area to minimise the height of the facilities to form a landscaped deck at level similar to the existing footbridge network level, which create an open space for the public to enjoy the harbour.  Local undulations have also been introduced at the eastern façade which helps to break-up the bulkiness of the building while creating pocket spaces for landscape planting.  To enhance the streetscape, vertical greening and trees have been proposed at Convention Avenue.

Emergency Access Point (EAP) External Design and Landscape Proposals

7.116      The proposed EAP is located at Fenwick Street Children’s Playground.  The EAP will be constructed within the footprint of existing ventilation structure. There will not be any permanent reduction in open space area within the Playground.  The external design of the EAP shall be in subtle and recessive colour blending in with the surrounding landscape area.  Buffer trees and shrubs planting are proposed to provide visual screen to the proposed EAP. The landscape proposal of EAP is illustrated in Figure No. NEX2213/C/331/ENS/M54/071 to 072.

ADM Ventilation Shafts, Transformer Bay and Cooling Tower External Design and Proposal

7.117      ADM aboveground structures including ventilation shaft, transformer bay and cooling tower is one of the major interfacings with ADM for SIL(E).  Efforts have been taken in minimizing potential landscape and visual impacts through reducing the land-take for the provision of the aboveground structures during design stage.  The form, mass and the finishing of the ADM aboveground structures of the Project have been carefully considered with a smooth integration with the aboveground structures of SIL(E).  The aesthetic appearance of railway and operation facilities within the Harcourt Garden will utilize a modern architectural approach to fit into existing commercial landscape context.  The ADM Ventilation Shafts, Transformer Bay and Cooling Tower will be gladded in a palette of natural materials to break up the massing and provide appropriate scale of finish.  The adopted design solution serves to minimize the volume, visual mass and height of the ADM aboveground structures.  The landscape proposal of ADM is illustrated in Figure No. NEX2213/C/331/ENS/M54/073.


Hong Kong Park Ventilation Building (HKB) External Design and Landscape Proposal

7.118      The HKB is designed with minimum land take as well as to provide enough space for the facilities required for railway operation.  The site planning, massing, building height profile and disposition of the ventilation building are carefully considered to minimize the impact on existing trees and visual appearance in the views of VSRs located in proximity or in distance.  Having considered the operational requirement, direct vehicular access to the building frontage is always required and exhaust openings shall be clear from all obstacles that would limit tree planting opportunities right in front of the building.  In addition, wider hard paved frontage is also required for ventilation building at Hong Kong Park for the manoeuvring of refuse collection truck to adjacent Refuse Collection Point.  Design measures will be considered to alleviate the visual and landscape impact including the building design and facade treatment.  Other than the superstructure of the Project, the remaining works area will be re-instated with new planting proposals which will integrate with existing landscape context of individual sites. The landscape proposal of HKB is illustrated in Figure No. NEX2213/C/331/ENS/M54/074.

Preliminary Tree Impact Summary

7.119      With the proposed tree transplanting and compensation proposal as mitigation measures, preliminary tree impact summary including preliminary location for transplanted and compensation trees is tabled as below:



LR Ref.

Landscape Resources

Tree to be

Affected (1)

Tree Transplanting

Tree Felling

Tree Compensation (3)

Quantity (No.)

Preliminary Location for Transplanted Trees (2)

Quantity (No.)

Avg. Trunk Diameter(m)

Estimated Tree Diameter Loss (m)

Quantity (No.)

 and Avg. Size

Estimated Tree Diameter Compensated (m)

Preliminary Location for Compensated Trees

LR06

Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space

235

5

Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space

230

0.20

75

350 Hvy. Std.

35

Landscape Areas within EXH Area including Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space and Wan Chai Sports Ground

LR06a

Tree Planting at Wan Chai West Sewage Screening Plant

35

5

Former Wan Chai Sewage Screening Plant

30

0.16

LR12

Planting Area at Convention Avenue Bus Terminus

25

5

Around Future EXH

20

0.25

LR13

Harbour Road Sports Centre

45

10

Around Future EXH

35

0.34

LR14

Wan Chai Sports Ground

55

20

Wan Chai Sports Ground

35

0.15

LR15

Amenity Area at Gloucester Road and Cross Harbour Tunnel Entrance 

365

165

Amenity Area at Gloucester Road and Cross Harbour Tunnel Entrance

200

0.20

75

340 Hvy. Std.

34

Landscape Areas in Amenity Area at Gloucester Road and Cross Harbour Tunnel Entrance,  

Tunnel Approach Rest Garden and POC

LR16

Tunnel Approach Rest Garden

125

15

Tunnel Approach Rest Garden

110

0.20

LR18

Landscape Area in POC

45

15

Re-provisioning of POC

30

0.40

 

TOTAL

930

240

 

690

 

150

690 Hvy. Std.

69

 

Note:      (1) The tree impact summary provided above is indicative only based on a preliminary broad brush tree survey data and preliminary landscape proposals. 

                (2) Transplanted trees planting shall be provided within the identified preliminary location as far as practicable. 

                (3) Compensatory tree planting shall be provided to compensate for felled trees as far as practicable.  Compensatory tree planting proposal including location of compensatory shall be submitted separately to seek relevant government department's approval, in accordance with ETWB TCB No. 3/2006.  Compensation tree species shall follow the tree planting theme of the Greening Master Plan of the area.  Total number of compensatory planting will follow the minimum ratio of 1:1.  Heavy standard (Hvy Std.) sized tree shall be tree with a truck diameter of 75 to 125mm (i.e. average 100mm). 

7.120      Aboveground structures at ADM including ventilation shafts, transformer bay and cooling tower of ADM at Harcourt Garden will be constructed by the SIL(E) Project.  SIL(E) will share the same ventilation building at Hong Kong Park, i.e. HKB, with the Project and will be constructed by SIL(E).  The tree transplanting and compensation measures for ADM and HKB will be covered under SIL(E). 

7.121      Under the proposed scheme for the Project, opportunities for tree compensation within the Project boundary has been fully explored and incorporated in the proposed mitigation measures as much as practicable.  Due to limited available space for tree planting within the Project boundary, compensatory tree planting of a ratio of 1:1 in terms of quantity of heavy standard trees are proposed.  Since there is no permanent loss of landscape areas, trees to be removed from the landscape areas during construction will be replanted in the same area.  Heavy standard sized trees are proposed for long term healthy growth of the trees.  Potential offsite mitigation measures for tree compensation have been identified in Long Valley, Ho Sheung Heung Priority Site and along Ng Tung River.  However, it is considered that such offsite mitigation measures are not effective solution and are not able to significantly mitigate loss of existing trees within the Project boundary.  Therefore, offsite mitigation measures would only be considered as a last resort.  Detailed tree removal application will be submitted in accordance with ETWB TC(W) No. 3/2006.  The Project Proponent will investigate the possibility to plant the compensatory trees in other nearby concurrent projects. Meanwhile, in addition to the compensated trees, new landscape resources such as horizontal and vertical greening are proposed as alternative compensatory planting for the aboveground structures including NOV, SOV and EXH to optimize greening opportunities within the Project boundary.  Horizontal greening (approximately 2,500m2) included green roof and shrub planting on landscaped mound  and vertical greening (approximately 480m2) included vertical green panel and climbers.  It is considered that with the proposed compensated trees and the proposed new landscape resources, the overall residual impact on existing trees and greenery would be reduced to an acceptable level. 

Public Open Space and Amenity Area Impact Summary

7.122      Under the Project, there would not be any public open space and amenity area to be permanently or partly loss.  Some of the public open spaces and amenity areas such as Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space, Wan Chai Sports Ground, Tunnel Approach Rest Garden, Amenity Area at Gloucester Road and Cross Harbour Tunnel Entrance will be temporarily alienated during construction.  These public open spaces and amenity areas will be reinstated on a like-for-like basis after completion of temporary works.

7.123      For Harcourt Garden, as only minor construction works will be conducted under the Project, it will be opened to the public upon completion of SIL(E) construction. 

7.124      The quantitative assessment of temporary and permanent alienation and compensation of public open spaces are tabled below:


 

ID

Landscape Resources

Public Open Space (POS)

Temporarily alienated during construction

Permanently alienated during operation

Compensation and Reinstatement Proposals

LR02

Hong Kong Park

700 m2

Nil due to the Project(1)

Not Required

LR03

Harcourt Garden

550 m2

Nil due to the Project(2)

Not Required

LR06

Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space

6,300 m2

Nil

Temporary alienated areas will be reinstated on like to like basis. 

 

Note:

(1)           During construction phase, approximately 700 m2 of open space would be temporarily alienated for the construction of superstructure of SCL.  During operation phase, a small portion of the hard paved area including some climbing plants attached to the HKB proposed under SIL(E) would be permanently alienated for the operation of the superstructure of SCL(HUH-ADM).  However, such permanent alienation of open space have been assessed and addressed under the SIL(E) EIA.  There would not be any permanent loss of open space during operation phase due to the Project. 

 (2)          During construction phase, approximately 550 m2 of reprovisioned public open space at Harcourt Garden constructed under SIL(E) would be temporarily alienated for the construction.  The permanent impact on this open space have been assessed and addressed under the SIL(E) EIA.  Any temporary alienation would be reinstated after completion of construction.  There would not be any permanent loss of this open space during operation phase due to the Project.

7.125      The proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures in the construction and operation are listed in Tables 7.9 and 7.10 below, together with an indication of Funding, Implementation and Maintenance Agencies and illustrated in Figure Nos. NEX2213/C/331/ENS/M54/060 to 074. 

Table 7.9      Proposed Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Construction Phase

ID No.

Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

Funding Agency (1)

Implementation Agency

CM1

Trees unavoidably affected by the works shall be transplanted as far as possible in accordance with ETWB TC(W) 3/2006 – Tree Preservation.

MTR Corporation

MTR Corporation

CM2a

Compensatory tree planting shall be provided in accordance with ETWB TC(W) 3/2006 – Tree Preservation  to compensate for felled trees and maintained until end of the establishment period.

MTR Corporation

MTR Corporation

CM2b

Compensatory shrub planting shall be provided to compensate for the loss of shrub planting in amenity areas. 

MTR Corporation

MTR Corporation

CM3

Control of night-time lighting glare

MTR Corporation

MTR Corporation

CM4

Erection of decorative screen hoarding compatible with the surrounding setting.

MTR Corporation

MTR Corporation

CM5

Management of facilities on work sites which give control on the height and disposition/arrangement of all facilities on the works site to minimize visual impact to adjacent VSRs.

MTR Corporation

MTR Corporation

CM6

All hard and soft landscape areas disturbed temporarily during construction shall be reinstated on like-to-like basis, to the satisfaction of the relevant Government Departments.

MTR Corporation

MTR Corporation

Note:

(1)           The HKSAR Government will adopt the Concession Approach with MTR Corporation to provide funding for the capital cost of SCL.

Table 7.10     Proposed Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Operation Phase

ID No.

Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

Funding Agency (1)

Implemen-tation Agency  (2)

Maintenance/ Management Agency (2)

OM1

Aesthetically pleasing design as regard to the form, material and finishes shall be incorporated to MTR Entrance, Plant Buildings, Ventilation Shafts and associated engineering facilities and HKB so as to blend in the structures to the adjacent landscape and visual context. 

MTR Corporation

MTR Corporation

MTR Corporation/

ASD/

LCSD(1)

OM2

Tree Planting shall be incorporated to provide screening to Plant Buildings and Ventilation Shafts and associated engineering facilities. 

MTR Corporation

MTR Corporation

LCSD

OM3

Green Roof shall be proposed to NOV, SOV and Plant Buildings to the east of the EXH  to enhance the landscape quality of the structures and mitigate any potential visual impact on adjacent VSRs.

MTR Corporation

MTR Corporation

MTR Corporation

OM4

Climbers shall be incorporated to the ventilation buildings to soften the structure.

MTR Corporation

MTR Corporation

MTR Corporation

OM5

Landscaped mound is proposed to screen the EXH Ventilation shafts. 

MTR Corporation

MTR Corporation

MTR Corporation

OM6

Vertical Greening shall be incorporated on the facade of EXH Plant Building along Convention Avenue.

MTR Corporation

MTR Corporation

MTR Corporation

Note:

(1)    The HKSAR Government will adopt the Concession Approach with MTR Corporation to provide funding for the capital cost of SCL.

 

(2)     The management and maintenance agencies of mitigation measures have been identified in accordance with ETWB TC 2/2004.  The agreement and approval of the implementation, management and maintenance agencies of the Project will be sought from relevant parties during detailed design stage of the Project.  MTR Corporation would be responsible for maintenance and management of trees within the permanent site boundary. The maintenance matrix and responsible parties for trees outside the permanent site boundary are yet to be confirmed. To facilitate with the confirmation process, MTR Corporation would be responsible for the maintenance works before any agreement is made.


 

7.126      The following good site practice measures shall also be incorporated in the construction phase of the project: -

·                     Topsoil, where identified, shall be stripped and stored for re-use in the construction of the soft landscape works.

·                     Existing trees to be retained on site shall be carefully protected during construction.

7.127      The construction phase mitigation measures listed above shall be adopted from the commencement of construction and shall be in place throughout the entire construction period.  The operation phase mitigation measures listed above shall be adopted during the detailed design and be built as part of the construction works so that they are in place at the date of commissioning of the Project. However, it should be noted that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would not be appreciated for several years. Photomontages of the proposed project without and with mitigation measures illustrating the appearance after 10 years of the proposed works are shown in Figure Nos. NEX2213/C/361/ENS/M54/085 to 094.  Viewpoint locations of the photomontages are shown in Figure Nos. NEX2213/C/361/ENS/M54/080 to 083.

Residual Impacts

Residual Landscape Impacts

7.128      After implementation of mitigation measures, residual landscape impacts of significance during construction and operation phases are described below. 

7.129      For LR01 – Victoria Harbour, there would be slight residual impact on this LR during construction.  Upon completion of temporary works for marine cofferdam and associated works at Hung Hom Landfall and IMT construction, any disturbed areas will be reinstated.  The residual impact in Day 1 and Year 10 during operation phase is considered as insubstantial. 

7.130      For LR02 – Hong Kong Park, there would be slight residual impact during construction phase due to the construction of superstructure and reinstatement works at HKB.  There would be localized alienation of part of hard paved area and climbing plants of the HKB proposed under SIL(E) for the operation of the superstructure under this Project.  However, the affected area will be reinstated and climbing plants are proposed outside the new superstructure of SCL(HUH-ADM).  Considering other affected area will be reinstated and the aboveground structures will be integrated with the landscape setting of the area, there would be slight residual impact in Day 1 and insubstantial residual impact in Year 10. 

7.131      For LR03 – Harcourt Garden, there would be slight residual impact during construction phase due to the mucking out works, internal fitting-out and track laying works in ADM and some minor aboveground construction works at ADM.  The landscape impact assessment due to the construction of ADM Ventilation Shafts, Transformer Bay and Cooling Tower has been covered in SIL(E) EIA Report.  There would not be any significantly additional landscape impact during the construction of the Project.  During the operation phase, there would not be any permanent loss of open space due to the Project.  Any area temporarily affected will be reinstated.  The aboveground structures will be aesthetically designed with incorporation of tree planting, it is considered that there would be slight residual impact in Day 1 and insubstantial residual impact in Year 10.   

7.132      For LR06 - Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space will be temporarily alienated during construction.  Approximately 235 trees would be affected by the proposed works, of which approximate 5 trees will be transplanted and approximate 230 trees will be felled.  Tree species to be affected include Acacia confusa, Albizia lebbeck, Aleurites moluccana, Bauhinia blakeana, Caryota mitis, Casuarina equisetifolia, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Cinnamomum camphora, Ficus benjamina, Ficus virens var. sublanceolata, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Livistona chinensis, Macaranga tanarius, Melaleuca quinquenervia and Phoenix roebelenii.  Affected trees are in the range of 1.5-10m high, 1-10m spread and 100-600mm trunk diameter (average trunk dia. is around 0.20m).  Approximate 5 transplanted trees will be planted within the reinstated open space.  Tree compensation will be provided within EXH Area.  During the operation phase, this open space will be fully reinstated on a like-for-like basis.  It is considered that the residual impact on this LR is still moderate during construction phase but slight in Day 1 and insubstantial in Year 10 during operation with the implementation of mitigation measures.

7.133      For LR06a - Tree Planting at Wan Chai West Sewage Screening Plant will be temporarily alienated during construction.  Approximately 35 trees will be affected by the proposed construction activities involved the demolition of pump house and piles removal of West Sewage Screening Plant, of which, approximately 5 trees will be transplanted and approximately 30 trees to be felled.  Tree species to be affected include Casuarina equisetifolia, Nerium indicum, Bombax ceiba, Alstonia scholaris, Acacia auriculiformis, Melia azedarach and Ficus religiosa.  Affected trees are in the range are in the range of 1.5m-8m high, 0.5-6m spread and 100-400 mm trunk diameter (average trunk dia. is around 0.16m).  Approximately 5 transplanted trees will be planted to the reinstated landscape area of the site.  During the operation phase, this former Wan Chai West Sewage Screening Plant site will be reinstated to a condition that is suitable for future development.  It is considered that the residual impact on this LR is still moderate during construction phase but slight in Day 1 and insubstantial in Year 10 during operation with the implementation of mitigation measures.

7.134      For LR12 - Planting Area at Convention Avenue Bus Terminus, it will be permanently alienated due to the project.  Approximately 25 trees will be affected by the proposed works, of which, approximately 5 trees will be transplanted and approximately 20 trees to be felled.  Tree species to be affected include Ficus benjamina, Delonix regia, Cassia siamea and Erythrina variegata.  Affected trees are in the range of 2-13m high, 1-6m spread and 100-350mm trunk diameter (average trunk dia. is around 0.25m).  Approximately 5 transplanted trees will be planted around future EXH.  Tree compensation will be provided within EXH Area.  During the operation phase, this resource will be transformed to a new landscape area of the EXH during operation phase.  It is considered that the residual impact on this LR is still moderate during construction phase but slight in Day 1 and insubstantial in Year 10 during operation with the implementation of mitigation measures.

7.135      For LR13 - Harbour Road Sports Centre, it will be permanently alienated due to the Project.  Approximately 45 trees will be affected by the proposed works, of which, approximately 10 trees will be transplanted and approximately 35 trees to be felled.  Tree species to be affected include Aleurites moluccana, Araucaria heterophylla, Callistemon viminalis, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Cinnamomum camphora, Magnolia grandiflora and Schefflera actinophylla.  Affected trees are in the range of 4-14m high, 2-8m spread and 100-500mm trunk diameter (average trunk dia. is around 0.35m).  Approximately 10 transplanted trees will be planted around future EXH.  Tree compensation will be provided within EXH Area.  During the operation phase, this resource will be transformed to a new landscape area of the IGH/TP during operation phase.  It is considered that the residual impact on this LR is still moderate during construction phase but moderate in Day 1 and slight in Year 10 during operation with the implementation of mitigation measures.

7.136      For LR14 - Wan Chai Sports Ground, part of this Sport Grounds including part of the grandstand will be temporarily alienated during construction.  Approximately 55 trees would be affected by the proposed works, of which, approximately 20 trees will be transplanted and approximately 35 trees to be felled.  Tree species to be affected include Archontophoenix alexandrae, Bauhinia blakeana, Michelia alba and Phoenix roebelenii.  Affected trees are in the range of 2-7m high, 1-3m spread and 100-200mm trunk diameter (average trunk dia. is around 0.15m).  Approximately 20 transplanted trees will be planted to the reinstated landscape areas of Wan Chai Sports Ground.  Tree compensation will be provided within EXH Area.  After completion of temporary works, this Sports Ground will be fully reinstated on a like-for-like basis.  It is considered that the residual impact on this LR is still substantial during construction phase but moderate in Day 1 and slight in Year 10 during operation with the implementation of mitigation measures.

7.137      For LR15 - Amenity Areas at Gloucester Road and Cross Harbour Tunnel Entrance, it will be temporarily alienated during construction.  Approximately 365 trees will be affected by the proposed works, of which, approximately 165 trees will be transplanted and approximately 200 trees to be felled.  Tree species to be affected include Caryota mitis, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Bauhinia blakeana, Livistona chinensis, Aleurites moluccana and Lagerstroemia speciosa.  Affected trees are in the range of 5-11m high, 2-6m spread and 100-600mm trunk diameter (average trunk dia. is around 0.20m).  165 transplanted trees will be planted to the reinstated amenity Areas at Gloucester Road and Cross Harbour Tunnel Entrance.  Tree compensation will be provided within SOV Area.  During the operation phase, this amenity area will be fully reinstated on a like-for-like basis.  It is considered that the residual impact on this LR is still substantial during construction phase but moderate in Day 1 and slight in Year 10 during operation with the implementation of mitigation measures.

7.138      For LR16 - Tunnel Approach Rest Garden, it will be temporarily alienated during construction.  Approximately 125 trees will be affected by the proposed temporary works, of which, approximately 15 trees will be transplanted and approximately 110 trees to be felled.  Tree species to be affected include Araucaria heterophylla, Archontophoenix alexandrae, Callistemon viminalis, Caryota mitis, Ficus benjamina 'variegata', Michelia alba and Phoenix roebelenii.  Affected trees are in the range of 6-10m high, 1-4m spread and 100-400mm trunk diameter (average trunk dia. is around 0.33m).  Approximately 15 transplanted trees will be planted to the reinstated landscape area in Tunnel Approach Rest Garden.  Tree compensation will be provided within SOV Area.  During the operation phase, this rest garden will be fully reinstated on a like-for-like basis.  It is considered that the residual impact on this LR is still substantial during construction phase but moderate in Day 1 and slight in Year 10 during operation with the implementation of mitigation measures.

7.139      For LR18 - Landscape Area in POC, it will be alienated during construction.  Approximately 45 trees will be affected by the proposed works, of which, approximately 15 trees will be transplanted and approximately 30 trees to be felled.  Tree species to be affected include Aleurites moluccana, Bombax ceiba, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Delonix regia, Dimocarpus longan, Eucalyptus robusta, Ficus microcarpa, Mangifera indica and Michelia alba.  Affected trees are in the range of 4-15m high, 1-8m spread and 100-550mm trunk diameter (average trunk dia. is around 0.40m).  Approximately 15 transplanted trees will be planted to landscape area of the reprovisioning of POC.  Tree compensation will be provided within SOV area.  During the operation phase, this resource will be transformed to a new landscape area of the reprovisioning of POC.  It is considered that the residual impact on this LR is still moderate during construction phase but slight in Day 1 and insubstantial in Year 10 during operation with the implementation of mitigation measures.

7.140      For LR27 – Shek O Quarry, it will be temporarily alienated during construction.  There would be slight residual impact during construction.  However, upon completion of temporary works for IMT casting basin, it will be reinstated to a condition suitable to be handed over to future management and maintenance.  It is considered that the residual impact in Day 1 and Year 10 during operation would be insubstantial. 

7.141      Tree numbers described above are estimates only.  Exact number of trees to be retained, transplanted and felled to be determined during Tree Removal Application under ETWB TC(W) No. 3/2006.

7.142      During construction phase, there would be slight impact on LCA03 – Hong Kong Park Urban LCA and LCA04 – Admiralty and Wan Chai High-rise Commercial Urban LCA due to the Project.  During operation phase, with the implementation of mitigation measures, there would be slight to insubstantial residual impact on these LCAs on Day 1 and would be reduced to insubstantial in Year 10 when the compensatory planting and landscape reinstatement work become mature. 

7.143      During construction phase, there would be moderate residual landscape impact on LCA05 - Wan Chai Civic Urban Waterfront LCA due to the extensive construction activities of EXH and associated railway facilities including reprovisioning of IGH/TP.  During the operation phase with the new EXH and reprovisioned IGH/TP, this LCA will be transformed to a new outlook and character.  With the implementation landscape mitigation measures, the residual impact on this LCA would be reduced to slight in Day 1 and insubstantial in Year 10 during operation. 

7.144      During construction phase, there would be moderate residual impact on LCA07 – Victoria Harbour Strait LCA due to the localized and temporary works for the construction of IMT and marine cofferdam and associated works at Hung Hom Landfall.  During the operation phase, the impact becomes insubstantial in Day 1 and Year 10 upon reinstatement of the affected area. 

7.145      During construction phase, there would be slight residual impact on LCA11 – Wan Chai Phase II Reclamation Major Development LCA.  During the operation phase, this LCA will become works site for the construction of waterfront promenade.  The impact on this LCA due to the project is negligible.  Therefore, the residual impact on this LCA would become insubstantial in Day 1 and Year 10 during operation. 

7.146      There would be some slight residual impact on LCA14 – Hung Hom Transportation Corridor LCA due to the demolition of Kowloon Freight Building, construction of NOV, demolition and re-provisioning of the existing Freight Pier and associated temporary works during construction.  During operation, with the aesthetic design and proposed green roof NOV and reinstatement of temporary works areas that is suitable for future development, the residual impact on this LCA would be reduced to insubstantial in Day 1 and Year 10. 

7.147      There would be some slight residual impact on LCA17 – Shek O Quarry LCA are, due to the proposed IMT casting basin during construction phase.  The residual impact will become insubstantial during Day 1 and Year 10 in operation phase.

7.148      Those LRs and LCAs with insubstantial residual impact are not elaborated in details.  

 


Table 7.11         Significance of Landscape Impacts during Construction and Operation Phases

ID  No.

Landscape Resource / Landscape Character Areas

Sensitivity

  (Low, Medium, High)

Magnitude of Change  (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)

Impact Significance before Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)

Recommended Mitigation Measures

Significance of Residual Impact after Mitigation

(Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)

Construction

Operation

Construction

Operation

Construction

Operation

Construction

Operation

Day 1

Year 10

LR01

Victoria Harbour

High

High

Small

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM6

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR02

Hong Kong Park

High

High

Small

Small

 Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM6

Slight

Slight

Insubstantial

LR03

Harcourt Garden

Medium

Medium

Small

Small

 Moderate

Moderate

CM6

Slight

Slight

Insubstantial

LR04

Amenity Area at Performing Arts Avenue

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR05

Academy Podium Garden

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR06

Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space

Medium

Medium

Large

Large

Moderate

Moderate

CM1, CM2a, CM2b,CM6

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

LR06a

Tree Planting at Wan Chai West Sewage Screening Plant

Medium

Medium

Large

Large

Moderate

Moderate

CM1, CM2a, CM6

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

LR07

Amenity Areas between Fenwick Pier Street and Harbour Road

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR08

Grand Hyatt Hotel Public Podium Plaza

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR09

Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Eastern Boundary Landscaping Area

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR10

Central Plaza Open Space

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR11

Harbour Road Garden

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR12

Planting Area at Convention Avenue Bus Terminus

Medium

Medium

Large

Large

Moderate

Moderate

CM1, CM2a, CM6, OM2

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

LR13

Harbour Road Sports Centre

Medium

Medium

Large

Large

Moderate

Moderatel

CM1, CM2a, CM6, OM2

Moderate

Moderate

Slight

LR14

Wan Chai Sports Ground

High

High

Large

Large

Substantial

Substantial

CM1, CM2a, CM6

Substantial

Moderate

Slight

LR15

Amenity Area at Gloucester Road and Cross Harbour Tunnel Entrance  

High

High

Large

Large

Substantial

Substantial

CM1, CM2a, CM2b,CM6

Substantial

Moderate

Slight

LR16

Tunnel Approach Rest Garden

High

High

Large

Large

Substantial

Substantial

CM1, CM2a, CM2b,CM6

Substantial

Moderate

Slight

LR17

Landscape Area in Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR18

Landscape Area in POC

Medium

Medium

Large

Large

Moderate

Moderate

CM1, CM2a, CM2b,CM6, OM2

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

LR19

ID Number not used.

LR20

Noonday Gun

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR21

Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR22 

Roadside Amenity Areas at Salisbury Road and Hong Chong Road above the Portal of Cross Harbour Tunnel

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR23 

Roadside Amenity Areas at Hung Luen Road and Hung Lok Road

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR24

Semi-natural hillside Woodland at Shek O

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR25

Revegetated slope at Shek O Quarry

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR26

Tai Tam Bay Water Body

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LR27

Shek O Quarry

Low

Low

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

CM6

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LCA01

Hong Kong Island Residential Urban Fringe LCA

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LCA02

Admiralty Institutional LCA

Low

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LCA03

Hong Kong Park Urban LCA

High

High

Small

Small

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM6

Slight

Slight

Insubstantial

LCA04

Admiralty and Wanchai High-rise Commercial Urban LCA

Low

Low

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

CM6

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LCA05

Wan Chai Civic Urban Waterfront LCA

Medium

Medium

Large

Large

Moderate

Moderate

CM1, CM2a, CM2b, CM6, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

LCA06

Wan Chai City Grid Mixed Urban LCA

Low

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LCA07

Victoria Harbour Strait LCA

High

High

Small

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

CM6

Moderate

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LCA08

Causeway Bay Medium/High-rise Commercial LCA

Low

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LCA09

Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter LCA

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LCA10

Victoria Park Urban LCA

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LCA11

Wan Chai Phase II Reclamation Major Development LCA

Low

High

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM6

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LCA12

Hung Hom Mixed Modern Comprehensive Urban Development LCA

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LCA13

Hung Hom Residential Urban LCA

High

High

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LCA14

Hung Hom Transportation Corridor LCA

Low

Low

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

CM1, CM2a, CM2b, CM6, OM2, OM3, OM4

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LCA15

Tsim Sha Tsui Medium/High- Rise Commercial Urban Landscape

Low

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LCA16

ID number not used.

LCA17

Shek O Quarry LCA

Low

Low

Small

Negligible

Slight

Insubstantial

CM6

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LCA18

Shek O Hillside Woodland LCA

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

LCA19

Tai Tam Bay Landscape LCA

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Nil

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

 


Residual Visual Impacts

7.149      After implementation of the recommended mitigation measures, residual visual impacts of significance during construction and operation phase are described below. 

7.150      During construction phase, with the implementation of proposed mitigation measures at Hung Hom and Victoria Harbour Works Areas, there would be slight residual impact on VSRs C28, C29, C30, C31, C32, C33, C34, C35 and O7 due to the temporary works at Hung Hom and Victoria Harbour Areas. 

7.151      There would be moderate to slight residual impact on VSRs OU2, OU3, C36, C40 and T5 with the implementation of construction mitigation measures at Hung Hom Works Areas.  The impact would be reduced to slight to insubstantial in Day 1 of operation phase and further reduced to insubstantial in Year 10 of operation phase when the proposed climbers on NOV become mature as illustrated in Photomontage V1. 

7.152      There would be moderate to slight residual impact on VSRs C23, C24, C25, C26, C27, C/R2, C/R3, C/R4, C/R5, C/R6, C/R7, GIC3, GIC4, O6, O10, OU1 and T2 with the implementation of construction mitigation measures at Wan Chai North Works Areas.  The impact would be reduced to slight to insubstantial in Day 1 of operation phase and further reduced to insubstantial in Year 10 of operation phase when the trees planting proposed for SOV become mature as illustrated in Photomontage V1 and V12.  There would be slight residual impact on GIC2 and O5 in Day 1 of operation phase upon complete reinstatement and reprovision of the landscape areas in Tunnel Approach Rest Garden and reprovisioned POC.  The impact would be insubstantial in Year 10 of operation when the trees planting become mature. 

7.153      With the implementation of construction mitigation measures proposed for the temporary works areas at Wan Chai North, there would be slight residual impact on C01, C02, C03, C04, C05, C11, C12, C13, C14, C38, GIC8, GIC9 and O2.  There would not be any impact on these VSRs during operation phase when the temporary works are removed. 

7.154      There would be moderate residual impact during construction phase on VSRs C15, C16, C17, C18, C19, C20, C20a, C21, C22, C/R1, O3, O4, O9 and T3 with the implementation of proposed mitigation measures.  The residual impact would become moderate to slight during Day 1 of operation phase with the aesthetic design of EXH and associated Entrances, Plant Buildings, Ventilation Shafts and reprovisioning of PTI and IGH/TP.  The residual impact would be reduced to slight to insubstantial when the proposed trees planting become mature as illustrated in Photomontages V3, V4, V5, V6 and V7.  Meanwhile, the residual impact on VSRs C39 would be slight in construction phase and would become insubstantial in both Day 1 and Year 10 of operation phase as the main source of visual impact from EXH is far away from these VSRs.

7.155      As discussed in Section 7.116, due to the site and operation constraints of the Project, setting back of the proposed development from Tonnochy Road or providing tree planting along Tonnochy Road is not feasible. Nevertheless, greening opportunities for the proposed development at Tonnochy Road and Convention Avenue have been explored as much as possible. In order to minimise the visual impact on travelling VSR T3, aesthetic design of the Planting Building of EXH has been considered. Local undulations have been introduced at the eastern façade which helps to break-up the bulkiness of the Plant Building while creating pocket spaces for landscape planting. Tree planting along Convention Avenue and greening mitigation measures (such as shrub planting and vertical greening to be provided at the Plant Building along Tonnochy Road and Convention Avenue respectively) are also proposed. Whilst the travellers will not stay for a long period at Convention Avenue and Tonnochy Road, the residual visual impact on VSR T3 with implementation of the mitigation measures is considered to be localised and transient. Therefore, the residual impact on this VSR would be moderate at Day 1 and further reduced to slight at Year 10 of operation phase.   

7.156      There would be moderate residual impact on VSRs T1 due to the temporary works for Hung Hom, Victoria Harbour, Causeway Bay and Wan Chai North with the implementation of construction mitigation measures.  However the impact would be reduced to slight in Day 1 of operation phase with the implementation of aesthetic design treatments on propose aboveground structures.  The residual impact would be further reduced to insubstantial in Year 10 of operation phase when the proposed trees planting become mature. 

7.157      There would be slight residual impact in Day 1 of operation phase on O1 due to the EAP.  The residual impact would further be reduced to insubstantial in Year 10 of the operation phase when the trees planting within the reinstated Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space becomes mature. 

7.158      During construction phase, with the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, there would be slight residual impact on VSRs C06, C07, C08, C09, C10, GIC1, GIC7 and T4 due to the minor construction works at ADM.  The residual impact would be reduced to insubstantial with the aesthetic design of ADM aboveground structures in both Day 1 and Year 10 of operation phase.  

7.159      There would be moderate residual impact on VSRs C37, GIC5, GIC6 and O8 due to the temporary works for HKB at Hong Kong Park during the construction phase.  With the implementation of operation mitigation measures including the aesthetic design of aboveground structures, the residual impact would be reduced to slight in Day 1 of operation and would further reduced to insubstantial in Year 10 of operation when the proposed climbers on HKB becomes mature as illustrated in Photomontage V8.  


Table 7.12        Significance of Visual Impacts during Construction and Operation Phases

ID No.

VSRs

Sensitivity

(Low, Medium, High)

Main Source of Visual Impact

Magnitude of Change  (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)

Impact Significance before Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)

Recommended Mitigation Measures

Significance of Residual Impact

(Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)

Construction

Operation

Construction

Operation

Construction

Operation

Construction

Operation

Day 1

Year 10

C01

International Finance Centre

Medium

Medium

TWA4

Intermediate

-

Moderate

-

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

-

-

C02

Two International Finance Centre

Medium

Medium

TWA4

Intermediate

-

Moderate

-

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

-

-

C03

Exchange Square

Medium

Medium

TWA4

Intermediate

-

Moderate

-

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

-

-

C04

Hutchison House

Medium

Medium

TWA4

Intermediate

-

Moderate

-

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

-

-

C05

Bank of America Tower

Medium

Medium

TWA4

Intermediate

-

Moderate

-

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

-

-

C06

Far East Financial Centre

Medium

Medium

TWA6, ADM AS

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C07

Admiralty Centre

Medium

Medium

TWA6, ADM AS

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C08

United Centre

Medium

Medium

TWA6, ADM AS

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C09

CITIC Tower

Medium

Medium

TWA6, ADM AS

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C10

Pacific Place

Medium

Medium

TWA6, ADM AS

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C11

Fleet Arcade

Medium

Medium

TWA4

Intermediate

-

Moderate

-

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

-

-

C12

Telecom House

Medium

Medium

TWA4

Intermediate

-

Moderate

-

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

-

-

C13

Harbour View International House

Medium

Medium

TWA4

Intermediate

-

Moderate

-

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

-

-

C14

Shui On Centre

Medium

Medium

TWA4

Intermediate

-

Moderate

-

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

-

-

C15

Central Plaza

Medium

Medium

TWA4, EXH

Intermediate

Intermediate

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM5, OM6

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

C16

Grand Hyatt Hotel

Medium

Medium

TWA4, EXH

Intermediate

Intermediate

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM5, OM6

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

C17

Renaissance Harbour View Hotel

Medium

Medium

TWA4, EXH

Intermediate

Intermediate

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM5, OM6

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

C18

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Medium

Medium

TWA4, EXH

Intermediate

Intermediate

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM5, OM6

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

C19

Great Eagle Centre

Medium

Medium

TWA4, EXH

Large

Large

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM5, OM6

Moderate

Moderate

Slight

C20

Harbour Centre

Medium

Medium

TWA4, EXH

Large

Large

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM5, OM6

Moderate

Moderate

Slight

C20a

China Resources Building

Medium

Medium

TWA4, EXH

Intermediate

Intermediate

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM5, OM6

Moderate

Moderate

Slight

C21

Sun Hung Kai Centre

Medium

Medium

TWA4, EXH

Intermediate

Intermediate

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM5, OM6

Moderate

Moderate

Slight

C22

AXA Centre

Medium

Medium

TWA4, EXH

Intermediate

Intermediate

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM5, OM6

Moderate

Moderate

Slight

C23

Sino Plaza

Medium

Medium

TWA3, SOV and POC

Intermediate

Small

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2,  OM3, OM4

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

C24

World Trade Centre

Medium

Medium

TWA3, SOV and POC

Intermediate

Small

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2,  OM3, OM4

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

C25

Excelsior Hotel

Medium

Medium

TWA3, SOV and POC

Intermediate

Small

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2,  OM3, OM4

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

C26

Citicorp Centre

Medium

Medium

TWA3, SOV and POC

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2,  OM3, OM4

Slight

Slight

Insubstantial

C27

Victoria Centre

Medium

Medium

TWA3, SOV and POC

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2,  OM3, OM4

Slight

Slight

Insubstantial

C28

Inter Continental Hotel

Medium

Medium

TWA1, TWA2

Small

-

Slight

-

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

-

-

C29

New World Centre and Hotel

Medium

Medium

TWA1, TWA2

Small

-

Slight

-

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

-

-

C30

Wing On Plaza

Medium

Medium

TWA1, TWA2

Small

-

Slight

-

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

-

-

C31

Shangri La Hotel

Medium

Medium

TWA1, TWA2

Small

-

Slight

-

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

-

-

C32

Tsim Sha Tsui Centre

Medium

Medium

TWA1, TWA2

Small

-

Slight

-

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

-

-

C33

Empire Centre

Medium

Medium

TWA1, TWA2

Small

-

Slight

-

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

-

-

C34

Grand Stanford Harbour View Hotel

Medium

Medium

TWA1, TWA2

Small

-

Slight

-

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

-

-

C35

Nikko Hotel

Medium

Medium

TWA1, TWA2

Small

-

Slight

-

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

-

-

C36

Harbour Plaza Metropolis

Medium

Medium

TWA1, TWA2, NOV

Intermediate

Small

Moderate

Slight

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

C37

Island Shangri-la and Conrad International Hotel

Medium

Medium

TWA5, HKB

Intermediate

Small

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM4

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

C38

International Commerce Centre

Medium

Medium

TWA4

Small

-

Moderate

-

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

-

-

C39

The Masterpiece

Medium

Medium

TWA4, EXH

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM5, OM6

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

C40

Harbourfront Horizon

Medium

Medium

TWA1, TWA2, NOV

Intermediate

Small

Moderate

Slight

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

C/R1

Causeway Centre

High

High

TWA4, EXH

Intermediate

Intermediate

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM5, OM6

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

C/R2

160 - 169 Gloucester Road

High

High

TWA3, SOV and POC

Intermediate

Small

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2,  OM3, OM4

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

C/R3

210 - 226 Gloucester Road

High

High

TWA3, SOV and POC

Intermediate

Small

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2,  OM3, OM4

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

C/R4

Elizabeth House

High

High

TWA3, SOV and POC

Intermediate

Small

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2,  OM3, OM4

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

C/R5

256 - 275 Gloucester Road

High

High

TWA3, SOV and POC

Intermediate

Small

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2,  OM3, OM4

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

C/R6

Riviera, Prospect, Miami and Marco Polo Mansion

High

High

TWA3, SOV and POC

Small

Small

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2,  OM3, OM4

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

C/R7

40 - 104 Hing Fat Street

High

High

TWA3, SOV and POC

Small

Small

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2,  OM3, OM4

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

GIC1

Hong Kong Police Force Headquarter

Medium

Medium

TWA6, ADM AS

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

GIC2

Police Officers’ Club

-

Medium

SOV and POC

-

Large

-

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4

-

Slight

Insubstantial

GIC3

Hing Fat Street Post Office

Medium

Medium

TWA3, SOV and POC

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2,  OM3, OM4

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

GIC4

Victoria Park School for the Deaf

Medium

Medium

TWA3, SOV and POC

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2,  OM3, OM4

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

GIC5

British Council and British Consulate General

Medium

Medium

TWA5, HKB

Intermediate

Small

Moderate

Slight

CM2a, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM4

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

GIC6

High Court Building and Queensway Government Office

Medium

Medium

TWA5, HKB

Intermediate

Small

Moderate

Slight

CM2a, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM4

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

GIC7

Hong Kong Red Cross

Medium

Medium

TWA6, ADM AS

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

GIC8

Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts

Medium

Medium

TWA4

Intermediate

-

Moderate

-

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

-

-

GIC9

Hong Kong Arts Centre

Medium

Medium

TWA4

Intermediate

-

Moderate

-

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

-

-

O1

Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space

High

High

EAP

-

Small

-

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b. OM1, OM2

-

Slight

Insubstantial

O2

HKCEC Open Space

High

High

TWA4

Intermediate

-

Moderate

-

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

-

-

O3

HKCEC Promenade

High

High

TWA4, EXH

Large

Intermediate

Substantial

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM5, OM6

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

O4

Wan Chai Sports Ground

High

High

TWA4, EXH

Large

Intermediate

Substantial

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM5, OM6

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

O5

Tunnel Approach Rest Garden

-

High

SOV and POC

-

Small

-

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4

-

Slight

Insubstantial

O6

Tung Lo Wan Garden

High

High

TWA3, SOV and POC

Small

Small

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2,  OM3, OM4

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

O7

Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront Promenade

High

High

TWA1, TWA2

Small

-

Moderate

-

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

-

-

O8

Hong Kong Park

High

High

TWA5, HKB

Intermediate

Small

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM4

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

O9

Wan Chai Waterfront

High

High

TWA4, EXH

Large

Intermediate

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM5, OM6

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

O10

Causeway Bay Waterfront

High

High

TWA3, SOV and POC

Intermediate

Small

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2,  OM3, OM4

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

OU1

Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club

High

High

TWA3, SOV and POC

Intermediate

Small

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2,  OM3, OM4

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

OU2

Hong Kong Coliseum

Medium

Medium

TWA1, TWA2, NOV

Intermediate

Small

Moderate

Slight

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

OU3

Freight Terminal

Low

Low

TWA1, TWA2, NOV

Intermediate

Small

Moderate

Slight

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

T1

Ferry in Victoria Harbour

Medium

Medium

TWA1, TWA2, TWA3, TWA4, NOV, EXH, SOV and POC

Intermediate

Small

Moderate

Slight

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

T2

Wan Chai Interchange

Low

Low

TWA3, SOV and POC

Intermediate

Small

Moderate

Slight

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2,  OM3, OM4

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

T3

Convention Avenue and Fleming Road

Low

Low

TWA4, EXH

Large

Intermediate

Moderate

Moderate

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM5, OM6

Moderate

Moderate

Slight

T4

Harcourt Road

Low

Low

TWA6, ADM AS

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

T5

Travellers on Salisbury Flyover

Low

Low

TWA1, TWA2, NOV

Intermediate

Small

Moderate

Slight

CM2a, CM2b, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Note:    R = Residential; C = Commercial, C/R = Commercial/Residential, GIC = Government/Institution/Community, I = Industrials, O = Open space, OU = Others Use; T = Transport related

             NOV = North Ventilation Building, Plant Rooms and Emergency Access;

             SOV and POC = South Ventilation Shafts, Plant Rooms and Emergency Access and re-provisioning of Police Officers’ Club;

             EXH = Exhibition Station, Entrance A and B, Plant Buildings, Ventilation Shafts and re-provisioning  of PTI and IGH/TP, Harbour Road Sports Centre and Wan Chai Swimming Pool;

             EAP = Emergency Access Point at Fenwick Street Children’s Playground;

             ADM AS = ADM aboveground structures including Ventilation Shafts, Transformer Bay and Cooling Tower;

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  HKB = Hong Kong Park Ventilation Building;

             TWA1 = Temporary Works Areas at Hung Hom for demolition of Kowloon Freight Building, construction of North Ventilation Building, Plant Rooms and Emergency Access, demolition and re-provision of the existing Freight Pier and operation of barging points at existing Freight Pier;

             TWA2 = Temporary Works Areas at Victoria Harbour for marine cofferdam and associated works at Hung Hom Landfall and IMT construction;

             TWA3 = Temporary Works Areas at Causeway Bay for construction of South Ventilation Shafts, Plant Rooms and Emergency Access and Police Officers’ Club re-provisioning, construction of TBM tunnel shafts;

             TWA4 = Temporary Works Areas at Wan Chai North for demolition and re-provision of parts of the Wan Chai Sport Ground, construction of Exhibition Station, Entrance A and B, Plant Buildings, Ventilation Shafts and re-provisioning of PTI and IGH/TP, Harbour Road Sports Centre and Wan Chai Swimming Pool, temporary works for tunnel construction, and operation of barging points at Wan Chai Promenade, construction of Emergency Access Point at Fenwick Street Children’s Playground, demolition of pump house and piles removal of Wan Chai West Sewage Screening Plant;

             TWA5 = Temporary Works Areas for construction of Hong Kong Park Ventilation Building;

             TWA6 = Temporary Works Areas at ADM

             CBSO = IMT Casting Basin at Shek O

Remarks:  1. There is no rating (-) on the sensitivity, magnitude of impact, impact significance before mitigation measures and significance of residual impact in Day 1 and Year 10 for some VSRs during operation phase because the main source of visual impact comes from the temporary works are removed during operation phase. 

                  2. There is no rating (-) on the magnitude of impact, impact significance before mitigation measures and significance of residual impact in Day 1 and Year 10 for some planned VSRs during construction phase because the planned VSRs do not exist during the construction phase. 


Cumulative Impacts

7.160      Cumulative landscape and visual impacts during construction and operation phases from other projects in the vicinity are assessed.  Key concurrent project including the Shatin to Central Link - Mong Kok East to Hung Hom Section [SCL (MKK-HUH)], South Island Line (East) (SIL(E)), Wan Chai Development Phase II (WDII) and Central - Wan Chai Bypass (CWB) which might potentially cause cumulative impact to the Project are assessed. 

Shatin to Central Link - Mong Kok East to Hung Hom Section [SCL (MKK-HUH)]

7.161      SCL (MKK-HUH) is a 1.3km railway extension from Mong Kok East Station (MKK) to Hung Hom Station (HUH).  The cut-off demarcation between SCL (MKK-HUH) and the Project is located at the north of the future NOV.  The construction of SCL (MKK-HUH) is tentatively scheduled to commence in 2012 for substantial completion in 2018. 

7.162      HUH Cooling Tower and Ventilation Shafts are permanent aboveground structure proposed within the study area of the Project.  HUH Cooling Tower is located at the west and HUH Ventilation Shafts are located at the north of the NOV.  These structures would not constitute cumulative impact on landscape resources within the study boundary.  There would be some slight cumulative impact on Hung Hom Transportation Corridor LCA during construction and operation phases due to HUH Cooling Tower and Ventilation Shafts.  With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, it is predicted that such cumulative impact would not cause any insurmountable impact on Hung Hom Transportation Corridor LCA. 

7.163      Proposed HUH Cooling Tower and HUH South Side Ventilation Shaft would also cause some slight cumulative visual impact on adjacent VSRs during construction and operation phases.  However, with the implementation of aesthetic architectural design and green roof proposed for these facilities under SCL (MKK-HUH), significant adverse cumulative impacts on these VSRs are unlikely to arise.  

South Island Line (East) (SIL(E))

7.164      The SIL(E) will run for an approximately 7km from South Horizons to Admiralty, where it will interchange with the existing Island Line and Tsuen Wan Line.  The route of the railway from Admiralty section to Nam Fung Road will be in tunnel.  SIL(E) EIA Report (Register No.: AEIAR-155/2010) has been approved under EIAO.  The construction works are tentatively scheduled to commence in 2011 and are expected to be completed in 2014.  There will be no concurrent construction works at ADM section with SCL.  

7.165      SIL(E) and the Project will share the same HKB.  ADM Ventilation Shafts, Transformer Bay and Cooling Tower will be constructed under SIL(E) Project.  The landscape and visual impact for the aboveground structures due to SIL(E) and the Project are assessed.  The HKB will be constructed by SIL(E).  After using this as a construction shaft, the superstructure of the HKB will be constructed by the Project.  Similarly, the landscape and visual impact for the aboveground structures at Hong Kong Park due to SIL(E) and the Project are assessed.  It is considered that there would not be any adverse cumulative impact due to this Project during construction phase.  There would only be some slight but acceptable cumulative landscape and visual impact due to the operation of HKB, ADM Ventilation Shafts, Transformer Bay and Cooling Tower at Harcourt Garden.  

Wan Chai Development Phase II (WDII)

7.166      It comprises reclamation of about 12.7 hectares of the seabed along the existing coastline from Lung King Street to the breakwater east of the CBTS. 

7.167      There would be some cumulative landscape impact on existing trees at Wan Chai area at the vicinity of this Project and some cumulative impact on Wan Chai Civic Urban Waterfront LCA due to temporary works during construction.  There would also be some cumulative impact on the adjacent VSRs due to additional temporary works and permanent reclamation within the visual envelope during construction phase.  With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures (tree transplanting and compensation, control of night time glare, decorative hoarding etc.) during construction phase, it is considered that there would not be any insurmountable landscape and visual impact during construction phase. 

7.168      During operation phase, the reclaimed area will become a new open space along Wan Chai waterfront.  It is considered there would not be any discernible adverse cumulative impact during operation phase. 

Central - Wan Chai Bypass (CWB)

7.169      The proposed Central - Wan Chai Bypass and Island Eastern Corridor Link is a 4.5 km long dual three-lane trunk road with a 3.7 km long tunnel.  It will link up the Rumsey Street Flyover at Central with the Island Eastern Corridor at North Point near City Garden to alleviate the traffic congestion along the existing Gloucester Road - Harcourt Road - Connaught Road Central corridor.  The works are expected to be completed in 2017. 

7.170      There would be some cumulative landscape impact on existing trees at Wan Chai area at the vicinity of this Project and some cumulative impact on Wan Chai Civic Urban Waterfront LCA due to temporary works during construction.  There would also be some cumulative impact on the adjacent VSRs due to additional temporary works within the visual envelope during construction phase.  With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures (tree transplanting and compensation, control of night time glare, decorative hoarding etc.) during construction phase, it is considered that there would not be any insurmountable landscape and visual impact during construction phase. 

7.171      During operation phase, the Central - Wan Chai Bypass will be mainly an underground tunnel with a number of localized tunnel portals and ventilation buildings at the vicinity of the Project.  It is considered that there would not be any discernible adverse cumulative impact during operation phase. 

Conclusion

7.172      The Project will inevitably result in some landscape and visual impacts during construction and operation phase.  These impacts have been minimized through careful consideration of alternatives, minimization of works areas, incorporation of aesthetic external designs and landscape treatments of proposed aboveground structures which include HKB, railway facilities associated with EXH and ADM including reprovisioning of IGH/TP, EAP, integrated SOV with POC and NOV.

7.173      The Project is generally located within GIC or OU Zones of Approved Wanchai North Outline Zoning Plan No. S/H5/25 and Draft Hung Hom Outline Zoning Plan No. S/K9/23 and will not exceed the building height restriction of the zone.  It is considered that the proposed Project would fit in well with the current and future planning settings and would not conflict with statutory town plans of the areas. 

7.174      Approximately 930 existing trees will be affected by the proposed works, of which approximately 240 trees will be transplanted and approximately 690 trees will be felled.  Many of the affected trees are of semi-mature to mature size.  None of these are Registered Old and Valuable Trees.  There are no rare species or endangered species but only common species.  Under the proposed scheme for the Project, opportunities for tree compensation within the Project boundary has been fully explored and incorporated in the proposed mitigation measures as much as practicable.  Due to limited available space for tree planting within the project boundary, compensatory tree planting of a ratio of 1:1 in terms of quantity are proposed.  Detailed tree removal application will be submitted in accordance with ETWB TC(W) No. 3/2006.  There will be no permanently alienation of landscape areas.  All landscape areas which would be temporarily alienated will be reinstated on a like to like basis after completion of temporary works.  Meanwhile, in addition to the compensated trees, new landscape resources such as horizontal greening  including green roof and landscaped mound and vertical greening including vertical panel and climbers are proposed as alternative compensatory planting for the aboveground structures including NOV, SOV and EXH to optimize greening opportunities within the Project boundary.  It is considered that with the proposed compensated trees and the proposed new landscape resources, the overall residual impact on existing trees and greenery would be reduced to an acceptable level.     

7.175      Under the Project, there would not be any permanently or partly lost of open space and amenity area.  Some of the open space and amenity areas such as Fenwick Pier Street Public Open Space, Wan Chai Sports Ground, Tunnel Approach Rest Garden, amenity areas at Gloucester Road and Cross Harbour Tunnel Entrance will be temporarily alienated during construction.  These open spaces and amenity areas will be reinstated on a like-for-like basis after completion of temporary works.  The planting area at Convention Avenue Bus Terminus, planting areas at Harbour Road Sports Centre and landscape areas in existing Police Officer’s Club will be permanently alienated and these resources will be transformed to new landscape resources at the proposed EXH, IGH/TP and integrated SOV and POC.  The affected area in Harcourt Garden and Hong Kong Park will be reinstated and the proposed aboveground structures will be well integrated with the future design of Harcourt Garden and Hong Kong Park.  With the implementation of the landscape mitigation measures, it is considered that the residual impacts on these landscape resources are slight to insubstantial in Year 10 of the operation phase. 

7.176      The majority of the proposed permanent works are located in the Wan Chai Civic Urban Waterfront LCA.  During construction phase, due to the extensive works areas proposed in this LCAs, there would still be moderate residual impact with the implementation of mitigation measures.  However, during the operation phase, the residual landscape impact would be reduced to slight in Day 1 and further reduced to insubstantial in Year 10 when the compensatory planting and landscape reinstatement works become mature. 

7.177      During the construction stage, there would still be moderate to slight residual visual impact on some VSRs on high rise development and VSRs at ground level who can oversee the construction sites.  These impacts are temporary in nature and would be significantly reduced in operation phase of the Project. 

7.178      On Day 1 of operation, there would still be moderate residual visual impact on VSRs include Commercial VSRs in Great Eagle Centre, Harbour Centre, China Resources Building, Sun Hung Kai Centre and AXA Centre as these VSRs oversee the EXH at high level and travelling VSR along Convention Avenue and Fleming Road oversee EXH at pedestrian level.  The proposed engineering facilities associated with EXH include Entrance A and B, Plant Buildings, Ventilation Shafts and reprovisioning of PTI and IGH/TP have significantly altered the visual context of the area.  With the implementation of mitigation measures including aesthetic design of aboveground structures, green roof, vertical greening, landscape mound and trees planting around the EXH area, the residual visual impact on these VSRs would be moderate in Day 1 of operation phase and further reduced to slight in Year 10 of operation phase when the proposed trees planting become mature. 

7.179      Residual impacts on other VSRs due to the Project are considered as slight to insubstantial during Day 1 of operation phase and would be reduced to insubstantial in Year 10 when the proposed landscape mitigations mature.   

7.180      Cumulative landscape and visual impacts during the construction and operation phases from other concurrent projects which include SCL (MKK-HUH), SIL(E), WDII and CWB are assessed.  These concurrent projects would not cause any insurmountable cumulative landscape and visual impact. 

7.181      In view of the above, it is considered that the overall landscape and visual impact associated with the construction and operation of the Project are acceptable with the implementation of the appropriate mitigation measures.