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Summary

This video explores the latest developments in the Kai Tak area, recently dubbed Hong Kong's CBD-2. The host takes viewers on a tour of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and its surrounding areas, offering insights into the region's infrastructure, residential developments, and the challenges facing the neighborhood. The video highlights the area's sparse population, transport issues, and ongoing construction projects like the planned light rail system. The host also discusses the commercial and residential prospects, showcasing the various properties and amenities, while reflecting on the area's evolving role in Hong Kong's urban landscape.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video provides a tour of the Kai Tak Development Area, a major urban development project in Hong Kong, referred to as CBD-2.
• 😀 The Kai Tak Development Area is part of the broader Kowloon East region, which also includes Kwun Tong and Kowloon Bay.
• 😀 The Kai Tak Cruise Terminal has an unusual layout with limited amenities, including a public parking area, restaurants, and shops with low foot traffic.
• 😀 The area surrounding the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is still underdeveloped, and transportation is limited, relying mainly on bus and minibus services.
• 😀 The new MTR connection for the area, which is under development, is expected to improve transportation and connect the cruise terminal to Kai Tak Station.
• 😀 Real estate developments in the nearby Kai Tak runway area are experiencing mixed sales performance, with some projects offering significant discounts to attract buyers.
• 😀 The lack of a direct railway connection and limited amenities makes the Kai Tak area less attractive for local residents and businesses, impacting its commercial viability.
• 😀 The Kai Tak Cruise Terminal park has a low visitor count, mainly attracting tourists or visitors with specific purposes, such as photo-taking or occasional events.
• 😀 The Kai Tak area has faced challenges with unoccupied land, such as the Kai Tak quarantine facility, which was initially considered for conversion into the athletes' village for the 2025 National Games but was deemed unsuitable.
• 😀 The SOGO Twin Towers project in Kai Tak aims to bring high-end retail and dining experiences to the area, though its opening has been delayed several times due to construction and licensing issues.
• 😀 Despite the upscale development of the SOGO Twin Towers, the surrounding public space has been transformed into an informal area for local activities, like square dancing, leading to some community concerns about noise and public perception.

Q & A

What is the concept of CBD-2 in Hong Kong and what areas does it include?

CBD-2, or Central Business District 2, refers to the new development zone in Hong Kong that encompasses the Kai Tak Development Area, Kowloon East, including Kwun Tong and Kowloon Bay. Kai Tak is the focal area for CBD-2 due to its large land area and potential for long-term urban planning and development.

What are some of the main transport challenges for the Kai Tak area?

The transport infrastructure in the Kai Tak area primarily relies on buses and minibuses, but the service frequency is relatively low. Future plans include a light rail system to connect Kai Tak with other areas, but this development has faced challenges due to technical and logistical issues.

What is the current status of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal?

The Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is operational, with a cruise ship, Costa Serena, docking during the visit. The terminal has minimal foot traffic, and most visitors are tourists from mainland China. The area has some shops and restaurants, but overall, it is underdeveloped and not a significant local attraction.

What are the main challenges facing the commercial development of the Kai Tak area?

Despite the large-scale development plans, the Kai Tak area faces challenges such as low foot traffic and limited commercial offerings. Many businesses are struggling, with some stores remaining closed. The limited transport options and lack of essential services like convenience stores or cafes have also hindered the area’s commercial success.

How is the residential property market performing in the Kai Tak area?

Several new residential developments in the Kai Tak area, including projects like Double Coast and Miami Quay, are selling units with significant price reductions. However, the sales performance varies, with some developments, such as Mai Tai Quay, selling fewer units than expected. Overall, residential property prices are lower compared to other parts of Kowloon, but demand is still weak due to transportation and infrastructure issues.

What is the role of the proposed light rail system for the Kai Tak area?

The proposed light rail system is intended to improve transport connectivity for the Kai Tak area. The plan is to add five stations that will connect the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to the Kowloon Bay MTR Station. However, there have been significant challenges, including the technical difficulty of building bridges and crossing busy areas like the Kwun Tong waterfront.

How does the local community in the Kai Tak area engage with the space?

The local community's engagement with the Kai Tak area is currently limited. Most visitors are tourists or workers from nearby construction sites. In some areas, like the public parks, senior citizens gather to engage in activities like square dancing, which has become a point of local interest.

What impact does the square dancing activity have on the local environment?

The square dancing activity, particularly in the evenings, has led to concerns about noise pollution in public spaces, especially near high-end shopping areas like SOGO Twin Towers. While the volume is not excessively loud, the location’s quiet surroundings have amplified the noise, causing some residents and passersby to take notice.

What is the government's current stance on the development of the Kai Tak area?

The Hong Kong government is committed to long-term development in the Kai Tak area, including the implementation of the light rail system and improvements to the infrastructure. However, the plans have faced several delays and hurdles, such as technical difficulties in building bridges and the need to protect the harbor area. There is also ongoing debate about the use of certain lands, such as the Kai Tak quarantine facility, for alternative developments.

What are some possible future developments for the Kai Tak area?

Future developments in the Kai Tak area may include better transport infrastructure, such as the light rail system, and potential improvements to the Cruise Terminal to attract more visitors. Additionally, the government is exploring the concept of low-altitude economic development, which may include drones for delivery services to enhance the tourism experience. There are also plans to develop the area into a more vibrant commercial and residential hub once infrastructure challenges are resolved.