The local government has greenlit a new pedestrian walkway connecting Belcher Bay to Cadogan Street, as part of the city’s overall push to beautify its waterfront
Hong Kong’s Kennedy Town waterfront revamp approved
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Plans have been formally approved for a 200-metre pedestrian promenade along the Kennedy Town waterfront in Hong Kong, designed to link Belcher Bay and Cadogan Street. According to the city’s Standard newspaper, the project involves 0.25 hectares of land reclamation and carries an estimated budget of between HK$1.5 billion and HK$2 billion.
Formerly a warehouse and dockside district, Kennedy Town is one of Hong Kong’s oldest neighbourhoods and its waterfront is a popular Instagram location.
This development serves as the inaugural project approved under a streamlined mechanism introduced last year as part of amendments to the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance. The updated legislation facilitates harbour improvement works covering up to 0.8 hectares.
Harbourfront Commission chairman Ivan Ho explained that the design of the revamped Kennedy Town waterfront focuses on enhancing ecological biodiversity. The promenade will incorporate prefabricated surfaces to support marine life and will feature tiered seating on the Cadogan Street side, intended to provide residents with sunset views.
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The site also contains a century-old seawall, believed to be among the oldest on Hong Kong Island. The Antiquities and Monuments Office is currently assessing the structure, with a heritage rating expected by the end of the year. Ho has emphasised the importance of preserving this historic feature.
Kennedy Town waterfront project eyes 2031 completion
Construction is scheduled to commence in mid-2028, with a projected completion date in mid-2031. The government plans to consult the Central and Western District Council next month, with a formal request for funding of the Kennedy Town waterfront beautification plan to be submitted to the Legislative Council in mid-2028.
Hong Kong has made strenuous efforts in recent years to beautify the waterfront areas of its famous Victoria Harbour, constructing extensive promenades and seating areas on Hong Kong island and the Kowloon peninsula.
