Hongkongers head to East Coast Boardwalk as ‘final piece of puzzle’ opens
Boardwalk’s eastern section, from North Point Promenade to Quarry Bay’s Hoi Yu Street, injects vitality into harbourfront, official says
Visitors descended on a new boardwalk extension described as the “final piece of the puzzle” linking Hong Kong Island’s 13km (8-mile) promenade, marking the end of 16 years of planning and construction.
A glass observatory deck was a highlight of the new 1.1km North Point extension that drew the most attention on Monday, but some visitors said they wished the new attraction were larger.
Ivan Ho Man-yiu, chairman of the Harbourfront Commission, said the opening of the eastern section of the boardwalk was the “final piece of the puzzle” connecting the northern shore of Hong Kong Island with walking trails.
“I believe when such a facility is available, residents will find creative ways to make the best of it. The eastern section of the boardwalk injects tremendous potential and vitality into the harbourfront,” he told a radio show.
According to Ho, the facility’s community liaison centre located on Tin Chiu Street will be transformed into a rest hub with catering services.
Meanwhile, activities and exhibitions are expected to be held at multipurpose spaces in the eastern section around the coming Lunar New Year.