2015-11-19 HKT 18:55
The Tsim Sha Tsui promenade was closed last month for a major facelift. RTHK file photo
Two companies have filed applications for judicial review to challenge the government's decision to renovate the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade where the Avenue of Stars is located.
The project was approved by the Town Planning Board in August and was awarded to New World Development. The area was closed off last month as workers started preparing to give it a facelift. But that might have to be put on hold.
Sino Land's Murdoch Investments and the Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel have filed the legal challenges against the board's decision. They said the conditions it had placed on the project would cause uncertainty and the area may end up drastically different from the original plan. That, they say, would effectively turn the plan into one that did not go through any statutory procedures.
The applicants also argue that since part of the area has been designated as "open space", it was inappropriate for the board to approve the setting up of restaurants there.
Opponents of the controversial project were upset that the Leisure and Cultural Services Department had awarded it to New World Development without consulting the public properly.
The department had explained that the developer was granted the project because the two sides had entered into a contract for managing the Avenue of Stars.
Both Murdoch Investments and Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel have asked the court to suspend the renovation of the area pending the outcome of the judicial reviews.
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1224637-20151119.htm
