Sha Tin: Sail N Shop

Authors. CHIU Kin Kwan, FONG Ka Ki, LAU Siu Kong

Our group is working on a small area in Sha Tin. As being one of the earliest new towns in Hong Kong, though self-sustained in early ages, problems developed over years.

In this project, we have identified the place bounded by Shing Mun River and the MTR Sha Tin station. The New Town Plaza and Citylink are almost the only places that Hong Kong citizens and foreign tourists can go for entertainment. They go there by private cars, taxis, buses, MTR and mini buses. Hence cars accumulate around this huge node, causing traffic congestion and air pollution.

To solve this problem, our group designed a project named as Sail n Shop. It is proposed to have boats, improved from the design of dragon boats, and some booths. They are located on Shing Mun River and people can rent the boats to travel along the Shing Mun River. When they sail, they can also shop by visiting the boats on the river the booth renters must be doing small business, and no chain stores are allowed. People can go to Shing Mun River by two bridges connecting the MTR station and coastline.

This project has two benefits: first a new node is set and hence can diversify the flow of people. This can solve the problem of overcrowding in the Plaza area. Also people can have another choice for entertainment. It is proposed to connect to other places such as Tai Po and Ma On Shan.