East Coast Park Precinct, North Point

The “East Coast Park Precinct” located at the harbourfront in North Point on Hong Kong Island consists of three parts. Phase 1 and breakwater were officially opened in September 2021 and Phase 1a was opened in December 2022 respectively. The Precinct occupies an area of about 1.1 hectares, with approximately 425-metre long promenade. In accordance with the principle of developing the harbourfront under the incremental approach and through the collaboration with various departments, certain part of the site can be released for public use ahead of schedule.

Adopting the design concept of "Windows", the architect infused window frames of different sizes into the design of balustrades, outdoor installations and a low kerb, offering a distinctive scene for visitors as if it is being viewed through a window. A lawn area, benches, shelters, etc. are provided for public use. In addition, there is painting on the ground for children on balance bikes, while the architect has introduced slides and safety floor mats at part of the sloping seawall above the sea level in the Precinct. The Precinct is a pet-friendly site where pet owners and their pets on leashes are welcome to visit. The site is open to the public round the clock.

Features

One major feature of the Precinct is that it opens the first breakwater with barrier-free design to the public within Victoria Harbour. The breakwater is approximately 100m in length. Visitors can enjoy the nearly 360-degree panoramic view of the Harbour from the end of the breakwater. The East Vent Shaft of Central-Wan Chai Bypass above the breakwater was designed specifically to be in harmony with the harbour vista and was the winning entry of an exterior design competition.

In addition, the first large-scale word art installation designed under the theme of Victoria Harbour is also being exhibited in the Precinct. In order to encourage more stakeholders and art groups to participate in harbourfront development, the Development Bureau and the Harbourfront Commission organised the Victoria Harbour Word Art Competition in 2020. The winning entry, “The Beacon of Hong Kong”, designed by Arnold Wong and Charmaine Lin, is being displayed at the Precinct. Through its illuminating and colourful fonts, Chinese characters of the names of different districts in Hong Kong as well as the mesh design, the word art installation celebrates the vibrant life of Victoria Harbour. The hollow design of the individual letters aims to encourage the public to walk inside and become part of the art piece. The public can also view the installation from the sea and enjoy the harbourfront from another angle.

The opening of Phase 1a of the Precinct has improved the connection along the harbourfront sites between Fortress Hill and Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter. Visitors can now reach the Revitalised Typhoon Shelter Precinct at Causeway Bay via the Whitfield Road Rest Garden and Tung Lo Wan Fire Station.