HK Electric and the Conservancy Association (CA) have unveiled a new eco-heritage route under their joint project, Green Hong Kong Green (GHKG), to highlight the hidden eco-heritage treasures of North Point in the Eastern District of Hong Kong Island.
Named "The Eastern Sparkle", the new route captures the unique cultural, historical and ecological features of North Point, once a hub of entertainment and leisure, and home to the former North Point Power Station.
Starting from North Point Ferry Pier, "The Eastern Sparkle" covers 10 landmarks and ecological spots including Sunbeam Theatre, Metropole Building, Everwin Building, Chun Yeung Street, Winner House, Hei Wo Street, State Theatre, City Garden and the Oil Street Art Space.
HK Electric's Managing Director, Mr. Wan Chi-tin reminisced about the special and meaningful place North Point has to both the company and to himself. "The current City Garden is where HK Electric's second power station – North Point Power Station used to stand. Very little is left now except the few surviving street names, like Electric Road, Tin Chong Street and Power Street.”
"As a long-time resident of North Point, revisiting the history and development of the area through the new route brings back lots of fond memories," Mr. Wan added.
CA's Chief Executive, Mr. Ken So said: "When we developed this route, we realised North Point is not only rich in history and culture, but also in natural resources, like the swallows nesting under the building canopies on Chun Yeung Street and egrets foraging at the North Point Pier where stonewall trees can also be found. The development of this new route demonstrates how urbanisation and ecology could sit in harmony in a city."
A tour video of the new route is released on the GHKG Facebook page, in which Mr. Wan is joined by another long-time North Point resident, CA's Deputy Chief Executive, Mr. Rico Wong. They will show the public where to explore for the hidden gems of North Point in search of its forgotten past and other ecology treasures.
Following the launch of "The Eastern Sparkle", a photo competition has also kicked off from now till 9 April to inspire members of the public to capture the beauty of the new eco-route.
The new route will bring to 11 the total number of eco-heritage routes developed under the GHKG project, covering the entire service territory of HK Electric on Hong Kong and Lamma islands.
With the COVID-19 pandemic still gripping Hong Kong, eco-heritage tours will only be carried out online monthly, with "The Eastern Sparkle" beginning on 24 April. These online tours will feature sharing by guest speakers with interactive games to add fun and bring a virtual experience to the public. Hiking fans may also download the GHKG App to stay tuned with the latest information on all the eco-heritage routes to enjoy their DIY tours.
Since its inception in 2005, GHKG has trained more than 200 eco-leaders to guide the public to appreciate local eco-heritage resources and encourage them to treasure the environment. For details of the project and the routes, simply download the "Green HK Green" App, or visit GHKG's Facebook page, HK Electric's YouTube channel, CA's website or call 2728 6781.