If you go down to the woods today, you’re in for a big surprise – especially if you’re thinking of a bit of star-gazing at Sai Wan in the Sai Kung Country Park.
With seemingly little public consultation, AFCD have built a Star-gazing Terrace just off the beach at one of Hong Kong’s favourite tourist spots. Well known for being one of the best places in the area for seeing stars, the new terrace is a wavy ampitheatre-style construction able to accommodate all of 20 people. This has caused a furore on local social media.
The design was chosen from five proposals made by various organisations, the winning design coming from the Community Project Workshop (CPW) of The University of Hong Kong. Concerned netizens first reported suspicious goings-on a few weeks ago when notices were posted on plastic netting surrounding an area close to the beach.
An AFCD spokesman said that construction started in October 2018 and is expected to be completed next month. It will be open to the public 24 hours a day supervised by the AFCD. The department stressed that the construction process did not affect any grass and trees as the location was originally a camp site which had now moved to the beach.
The department also said there is no electricity supply, nor any stargazing instruments, and the location is an hour away from any transport connections, the demand would be mainly from those camping on the beach.
Many comments on social media criticise the design and location. They think it will collect rubbish easily, and as it’s some distance away from any public toilets, may become smelly quite quickly.
Photos: All photos are taken from online social media
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