Public Open Space

in Private Developments
Design and Management Guidelines

Development Bureau

ForewordbySecretaryforDevelopment
Qualityopenspaceinbuiltupareascontributestolivingenvironment,particularlyinHongKong
characterisedbycompactcitydevelopment,highrisesandintensepeopleflow.Creatingopen
spaceinprivatedevelopmentforpublicuse(orinshort,POSPD)isthereforeanefficientwayto
improveoururbanenvironment.However,inrecentyears,publicaccessibilityandstandardsof
provision in these POSPD, and the conflicting interests between public users and private
owners,especiallythoseinprivateresidentialdevelopments,havebecomeacauseofconcern.
Inresponsetothesepublicconcerns,theDevelopmentBureauhassince2008takenthestepto
systematicallycompileandpublishinformationonPOSPDandotherpublicfacilitiesinprivate
developments,withsiteplansandphotoswhereapplicable. Thepublicmaynowcheckona
particular POSPD from the websites of Buildings Department and Lands Department. This
enhancedtransparencynotonlyfacilitatespublicaccesstothesePOSPD,butalsoencourages
thecommunitytohelpmonitortheuseofthesefacilities.
Concurrently,wereviewedtheexistingarrangementsinprovidingPOSPD,takingintoaccount
publicviewsandinconsultationwiththeLegislativeCouncil. Thishasledustoconcludethat
theprovisionofPOSPDhelpsachieveintegrateddesign,optimiselanduseandsynchronisethe
availabilityofpublicopenspaceandcommunitysneeds,andthattheexistingpolicytoprovide
POSPDwhereappropriateshouldcontinue.Atthesametime,werecognisetheconcernsover
theimplementationandmanagementofthesefacilities.Tothisend,wehaveintroducedasetof
refinedarrangementstoguidethefutureprovisionofPOSPD,oneofwhichistoavoidprovision
ofPOSPDonprivatelandinprivateresidentialdevelopmentssothatindividualownerswould
notbemadeliabletomanageandmaintainthosepublicfacilities.

PublicaccessibilityofPOSPDhingesuponthequalityofdesign.Introducingasetofguidelines
forthedesignofPOSPDwouldhelpenhancepublicaccessandenjoyment.Likewise,asetof
clear and practical management guidelines would facilitate daily operation and provide a
commonbasisforusers,managementagenciesandownerstofollow.Aspartofthereview,we
have commissioned Rocco Design Architects Limited, in collaboration with the School of
ArchitectureoftheChineseUniversityofHongKongandLandEliteSurveyorsLimited,todraw
upasetofdesignandmanagementguidelinesforPOSPD,andtoconsultstakeholdersinthe
process.Thisconsultancywascompletedrecently.
TheguidelinespromulgatedbytheDevelopmentBureauconsistoftwoparts,namelythedesign
guidelinesandthemanagementguidelines.Thedesignguidelinesprovideaframeworkofbetter
designbasedontheprinciplesofconnectivity,appropriatenessandquality. Themanagement
guidelinescovervariousmanagementandoperationalissuesandstandards,andaimtostrikea
reasonablebalancebetweentheownersobligationsandresponsibilityandthepublicuseand
enjoymentofthepublicopenspace.Weconcurwiththeconsultantsviewthatinlinewithother
citiesexperience,somenoncommercialorcharitableactivitiesaswellaslimitedcommercial
activities(suchasalfrescodining)insuitablePOSPDwillhelpbringvibrancyandvitalitytothe
area and benefit the general public. We therefore set out in the guidelines the relevant
considerationsandtheapprovalsrequired.
Ithanktheconsultantsfortheirdedicationandallinvolvedpartiesfortheirthoughtfulcomments.
TheDevelopmentBureauiscommittedtocreatingaqualitycityenvironmentforthepeopleof
HongKongandwelookforwardtoyourcontinuoussupport.

MrsCarrieLam
SecretaryforDevelopment

1. Preamble
2. DesignGuidelines
2.1 DesignElementsSpatialDimensionsandHumanPerspectivesofPOSPD

2.2 SpatialTypesofPOSPD

3. ManagementGuidelines
3.1 PermissibleActivities

3.2 GuidanceonOperationalStandardsandOtherGeneralResponsibilities

3.3 ApplicationtoPublicPassageway

1. Preamble
TheprovisionofPublicOpenSpaceinPrivateDevelopment(POSPD)seeksprimarilytoachievebetter
qualitydesign,optimisationoflanduse,bettersiteplanning,and/orsynchronisingtheavailabilityofopen
space and the community needs arising from developments. With proper design and management,
POSPDcouldcontributetowardstheprovisionofqualityleisureandrecreationalspaceandimproveHong
Kongslivingenvironment.
The Design and Management Guidelines aim to provide a set of clear and practicable guidelines to
facilitatebetterdesignandmanagementofPOSPD.Ondesign,theguidelinesprovidestandardsand
guidanceonbetterqualitydesignbasedontheprinciplesofconnectivity,appropriatenessandquality.
Accordingtotheirspatialcharacteristics,POSPDarecategorisedintofivetypes,namelypublicgreen,
plaza,courtyard,pocketspaceandpromenade.AsregardsmanagementofPOSPD,theguidelinescover
such issues as rights and obligations of owners and users, uses (including commercial uses) of the
POSPDandotheroperationalmatters,withtheobjectiveofstrikingareasonablebalancebetweenthe
rightsoftheownersandthepublicenjoymentofsuchPOSPD.

POSPDDefinition
ForthesePOSPDDesignandManagementGuidelines,POSPDisdefinedasanopenspaceinprivate
developmentunderprivatemanagementwherethegeneralpublicareentitledtoaccess,useandenjoy
such POSPD. POSPD may be located on private land within a private development and/or on
governmentlandadjoiningaprivatedevelopment.

ApplicationoftheGuidelines

WhoshouldfindtheseGuidelinesuseful?
TownPlanningBoard
DesignPanelonGreeningandLandscape
relevantpolicybureauxandgovernmentdepartments
privatedevelopers
relevantorganisationsandbodiesinvolvedindevelopmentprojects,suchasUrbanRenewalAuthority,
HongKongHousingSociety,MTRCorporationLimited
architects,planners,landscapearchitects,surveyorsandurbandesigners

privateowners
managementagencies
usersofPOSPD
generalpublic

HowshouldtheseGuidelinesbeappliedtofutureandexistingcases?
TheDesignGuidelinesshouldapplytofuturePOSPDwithflexibilityallowedtocaterforindividualcases
ontheirownmerits,whiletheexistingcasesarestronglyadvisedtofollowtheDesignGuidelinesona
reasonablebasis.TheDesignGuidelineswillalsoserveasapointofreferencefortheDesignPanelon
GreeningandLandscapetobesetupundertheDevelopmentBureau.
TheManagementGuidelinesserveasasetofgoodpracticesandareadvisoryinnature.Theydonot
override any of the provisions in leases or Deeds of Dedication, or any statutory provisions. The
ManagementGuidelinesshouldapplytonewandexistingcasesinsofaraspermittedundertheleasesor
theDeedsofDedication(asthecasemaybe).Ingeneral,theapplicationoftheDesignandManagement
GuidelinesissubjecttothelatestpolicyframeworkoftheDevelopmentBureau.

2. DesignGuidelines
2.1 DesignElementsSpatialDimensionsandHumanPerspectivesof
POSPD

Theensuingparagraphsillustratetheimportantaspectsofspatialdimensionsthatshouldbetaken
intoaccountinthedesignofPOSPD. Examplesofgoodpracticesareprovidedforeachelement.

(A)

SpatialIssues

Shape
Amoredefinedspaceispreferredtoalooselydefinedone,since
the former will facilitate public use and enjoyment. A
regularshaped space is generally more usable than one with
changingedgesandirregularshapes,asacuteangleswithinthe
irregularspacemaylowerthevisibilityofthefullspace.Thatsaid,
designflexibilityshouldbeallowedonindividualmerits.

(Fig.1)

(Fig.2)

Regular

Irregular

StreetFrontage
Street frontage is the linear extent of access to the public open
spacefromtheadjoiningstreet.Apreferredstreetfrontageshould
haveatleastthesamewidthasthepublicopenspace,andshould
beaswideaspossiblesoastoenhancevisibilityandpopularityof
thespace.

(Fig.3)

(Fig.4)

Frontage

Frontage

Frontage

LongStreetFrontage

FrontageonBothSides

WidthtoLengthRatio
Thewidthtolength(orwidthtodepth)proportiondefinesvisibility
ofthespace.Lengthgenerallyreferstothegreaterdimensionof
thespace,ortheaverageofsuch;whilewidthordepthrefersto
the lesser. The more elongated the space is, the lower the
possibility for it to accommodate a variety of public uses.
Elongatedspaceismainlyforcirculationpurpose.Ahigherwidth
ordepthtolengthratioispreferred.

(Fig.5)

(Fig.6)

W
W
L

Wellproportioned

Elongatedspacemainlyfor

circulationpurposes

Major/MinorSpace
Major space refers to the main portion of the POSPD, which in
generalislargerinarea.Minorspacereferstothespaceattached
toamajorspace,usuallywithsmallersizes. Itsrelationshipwith
andthetransitiontomajorspacewillaffectthescopeofpossible
activities.Majorspaceshouldaccountforpreferablynotlessthan
75%oftheareaofPOSPD.

(Fig.7)

(Fig.8)
Minorspace

Minorspace
Majorspace

MinorSpaceisvisible
andconnectedtoMajorSpace

Majorspace

MinorSpaceofappropriate
proportionandhaving
streetfrontage

Area
Areareferstotheextentofspaceavailableforspecificuse.The
smallerthearea,themorerestrictivethespacewouldbetouses,
activitiesandotheramenitiesthatcouldbeaccommodated.Ifthe
area was too big and without proper design, it would affect the
intimacyandlosehumantouch.POSPDofappropriatesizethat
correspondstoitsuseandcontextispreferred.

(B)

PerceptualIssues

Visibility
Visibilityrelatesdirectlytoseeingthepublicopenspaceandbeing
seenfromtheviewofthepublic.Thepositionororientationofthe
seatingatvariouslocationsdeterminestheview.Itisidealtohave
viewswithoutanyblockage,andtherangeofopennessmayvary
fromafullyopenviewtofacingaslopeorothervisualbarriers.
Visibilityintoandaroundthespaceisalsoimportanttopromotea
senseofopennessandsafety.

(Fig.9)

Visibletoandfrom
surroundingarea

Opentosky
Openness to sky or outdoor open air public space should
generally be adopted as a design principle. Canopy and tree
shading could be employed to create a more comfortable
microclimatefortheopenspace.Transparentmaterialscouldbe
selectedforcanopyrequiredtoprovideweatherprotectionwhile
admittingnaturallighttoenhancetheenvironmentalquality.

(Fig.10)

Openoutdoorspace

Slope/Gradient
Itisalwaysdesirabletohavepublicopenspaceatgradeoronthe
principal pedestrian level. Inappropriate gradient change would
limit the use of space while suitable gradient or change in level
could create linkages with visual interests. Connection and
continuation at different levels, both spatial and visual, could
enhancevisibilityandhencepopularity. Multilevelspaceshould
be well designed and integrated. Mechanical access may be
acceptedtoimprovetheconnectivitybetweenlevels.

(Fig.11)

Terraceswithvisualconnection

10

(Fig.12)

Multilevelswithgreenlinkages

LengthofStay
Lengthofstayisanothermeasurementofthepopularityofspace.
Spaceforcirculationpurposeonlyhasashortlengthofstay,as
the public simply walk through it. For space for circulation with
addedattractions,peoplemaystayabitlongerinwalkingthrough
it.Thelongerthelengthofstay,themorepopularthepublicspace
is.

Spaceforcirculation

SpaceforStaying

(Fig.13)

(Fig.14)

(Fig.15)

(Fig.16)

Passingthrough

Meandering

Wandering

Withattractions

ClearSpace/AmenitiesArrangement
POSPD should generally be free of obstructions except for
planting, seating and other amenities. A space cleared of
obstructions(theclearspace)ismoresuitableforactivities. An
appropriatebalancebetweentheclearspaceandotheramenities
ofthePOSPDsuchasseating,planting,playareasetc.shouldbe
maintained.

(Fig.17)

(Fig.18)
Planter

Seating

Clearspace

Flexiblecentralspacefor
avarietyofactivities

Clearspace

Flexibleandvariety
inarrangements

11

(C)LandscapePlanningIssues
LandscapePlanning

Theobjectiveistoprovideanattractiveandcomprehensive
landscaping strategy within the POSPD that contributes to
thecharacterandidentityoftheneighbourhoodandurban
place. Besides, the incorporation of natural and cultural
featuresinthedesignofPOSPD,whereappropriate,should
be encouraged. Native natural habitats or existing urban
fabrics should be protected. In case of waterfront
promenades and landscaped walkways, spatial recess,
water features and breakout points for enjoying water
scenes,riverviewsandseaviewsareimportantlandscape
itemstobeincluded.Thelandscapedspaceshouldalsobe
accessible and promote a green environment for public
enjoyment. It should be designed to respond to the
neighbouring environmental conditions to achieve a more
comfortable microclimate. Some considerations on
planningofhardandsoftlandscapeelementsareshownin
thefollowingtable:

12

Hard/SoftLandscape

Considerations

Hard/Soft

Creatingattractivelandscapethatvisuallyemphasisesstreets
andpublicopenspace

Hard/Soft

Protectingandlinkingareasofsignificantlocalhabitatswhere
appropriate

Hard/Soft

Protectingandenhancinganysignificantnaturalandcultural
features

Hard/Soft

Supporting integrated water management systems with

appropriatelandscapedesignandotherurbandesignfeatures

Hard/Soft

Providingshadeinstreets,walkwaysandpublicopenspace

Hard/Soft

Developing appropriate landscape for the intended use of

POSPDincludingareasforpassiveandactiverecreation,use
bypets,playgrounds,shadedareas,etc.

Hard

Different forms of public arts and installations of artworks

shouldbeencouraged

Hard/Soft

Providing landscaped walkways that link with community

facilitiesandotheractivitynodes

Hard

Selection of site furnishings (e.g. that for pathways, public

lightingandstreetfurniture)shouldbeofmaterialsanddesign
whichrequirelittlemaintenanceandaredurable

Hard/Soft

Takingaccountofthephysicalfeaturesofthelandincluding
landform,soilandclimate

Soft

Maintainingexistingvegetation

Hard/Soft

Water features should be provided as appropriate to form

attractivefeaturesandimprovethemicroclimate

Hard/Soft

Planting areas should preferably be at grade and visually

accessible.Highraisedplantersshouldbeavoided

Planting

GreeneryandplantingareessentialcomponentsofPOSPD.
People enjoy to be close to greenery with a lot of planting
whichoffershading. Majortreesorcanopytypetreesalso
foster a feeling of permanence to the site and improve air
quality. Theprovisionofplantingshouldservethecauseof
landscaping. Thedesignshouldaimtomakereferenceto:
(a) Greening Master Plans developed by the Civil
Engineering and Development Department, (including
the greening themes and concepts for each of the
districts, and the mediumterm proposals in which
privatesector participants are involved) which reflect
thelocalcontextandtheresultsoflocalconsultations;
and
(b) Advice from the Greening, Landscape and Tree
Management Section of the Development Bureau and
theDesignPanelonGreeningandLandscape.

ThefollowingissuesinplantingshouldbeconsideredwhenlandscapingnewPOSPDfacilities:

Considerations
Maximumpreservationofexistingtreesversusremovalofunhealthytreesandtreesincompatible
withthedevelopmentwithnewones
Focalorinterestplantingstocreatesenseofplace
Trees may be used to define, emphasise or soften architectural elements and further define
circulationsystemsandthespatialqualityofopenspace
30%to50%oftheareaofPOSPDforsoftlandscaping,halfofwhichforplanting largetreesand
shadetrees
Plantingsmaybeusedinassociationwithentrances,activitynodesandfacilities,and/orlocatedin
positionsthatarehighlyvisiblefromroadsidesand/orfocalpointsandwherepeoplegather
Righttreefortherightplaceshouldbethekeytotreeselection,apartfromthe visualqualityand
designcriteriatobefulfilled.Suitabletreespeciesshouldbeselectedtosuitthesiteconditionsfor
longtermsustainablegrowth.
Plantingsshouldgenerallybeevergreenwithfew(ifany)deciduousspeciestoavoidtoomanygaps
incanopycoverduringwinter
ShadeshouldbeprovidedinPOSPDthrougheithertreesorstructures,especially alongpaths,
whereusersstayandgather
Spacingoftreeplantingshouldtakeaccountoftheultimatematuresizeofthespecies.
Suitablesoilvolumeandspaceshouldbeprovided.Continuousplantingbedshould beprovidedto
sustainthematuresizeoftreesinsteadofsmallinsolatedtreepitsorsmallseparateplanters.
Tre e s s h o u l d b e s e l e c t e d f o r t h e i r v i s u a l q u a l i t y ( e . g . s e a s o n a l c h a n g e s , a t t r a c t i v e
flowers/leaves/fruits,colourortexture);environmentalquality(e.g.shadeinsummer);ecological
quality(e.g.biodiversityandnativeorigin);biologicalquality(e.g.resilienttopestsanddiseases);
andotherattractivefeatures(e.g.fragrance,culturalvalue,etc.)
Adequateirrigationarrangementtobeprovided.

13

TypesofFacilities

FacilitiesinPOSPDareintendedtoprovidetheuserswitha
senseofplacewhichissafeandcomfortable.Theprovision
of POSPD should be accomplished by a wide range of
facilitiesandmaintainedbythemanagementagency.

Signage

POSPDhiddenfrompublicviewmayresultinlowusage.In
contrast, identifiable POSPD with clear, visible and legible
signagewouldinvitepeopletousethespace.

Facilities

Requirements

Lighting

Provide appropriate lighting (functional and/or visually distinctive) and

coordinateitwiththepedestrianlighting

Lighting

Pedestrianscalelightingisencouraged

UniversalAccess

Universalaccess(suchasthatforphysicaland/orvisuallyimpairedpeopleand
theelderly)

Seating

Provideprimaryseating(chairsandbenches)and/orsecondaryseating(walls,
stepsandplanterledges).Appropriatecoversshouldbeprovidedoverthe
seatingasshadesand/orrainshelter

Seating

Atleast10%seatingshouldbeprimary

Seating

Provide choice of a variety of seating forms or seating configuration.

Moveabletablesandchairscouldprovideflexibility;linearbenchesorledges
andcircularbenchescouldachievedifferentdesigneffects;andacombination
ofvariedformsallowpeopletodefinetheirownsocialseating

Guidelines
Clearindicationofmaps,locationandsignagewouldhelpinformthepublicoftheavailablespace
forpublicuse,andhelpthemidentifythespaceanditsvicinity
Connectivity,historicalandculturalcharacter,andlandscapefeatureofaplacewouldmakeitselfan
identifiablesitetothepublic
The signage system should contain information on boundary and demarcation, rules and
regulations,openinghoursandcontactinformationofmanagementagencies
Materials,sizeandlocationofinformationplaqueshouldbeincludedinthesignageplanofPOSPD

14

LocalCharacterandNeighbourhoodPattern

FrequentuseandsocialinteractioninthePOSPDcanattract
more people to come and enhance the public nature of
POSPD. However, overly intense activities and undue
emphasis on crowd gathering would deter public use and
minimisepublicenjoyment.Aplaceofuniquevisualinterest,
highaestheticalvalueorculturalvaluereinforcedbyinspiring
artworksandenjoyablelandscapedesignwouldenhancethe
identityofthePOS. ThedesignofPOSPDissuggestedto
followthebelowguidelines:

Guidelines
Reflectthedistinctivecharacterandamenityofanarea
Reinforcedesirablelocalcharacterthroughappropriateartworksandlandscapedesign
Highlight the uniqueness of local characteristics in terms of landform, landscape character,
vegetation,localcultures,landmarksetc.

15

DesignGuidelinesforPUBLICGREEN
DESIGNINTENT:
DIAGRAMOFPUBLICGREEN(Fig.22)

Physicalqualities
Size

500sqmmin

Shape

Sitespecific

StreetFrontage

(Fig.19)

PublicGreen

Street

PublicGreenisapassiveopenspacewithextensive
softlandscapingwithinurbandistricts.
Use
Individual activities of walking and relaxing
Passive recreation
Radius of attraction
It attracts local residents, visitors from outside,
aswellasfromtheimmediateneighbourhood
Amenities
Extensive greenery
Various seating
Leisure facilities
Combination of refreshment kiosks, artwork,
restroomsaswellasseating,tables,trees,etc.
[On commercial uses of POSPD, see also
Section 3 Management Guidelines for
details.]

>30%andatleast13.5m

Street

Width/LengthRatio (Fig.20)

EXAMPLE(Fig.23)

Major/MinorSpace (Fig.21)

>75%

18

GreenCoverage

50%min

Visibility

Visible

OpenToSky

Openair

Slope/Gradient

Preferablyonflatland

CheungKongPark,Central

DesignGuidelinesforPLAZA
DESIGNINTENT:
DIAGRAMOFPLAZA(Fig.27)

Physicalqualities
Size

500sqmmin

Shape

Sitespecific

StreetFrontage

(Fig.24)

Plaza

Street

Plaza is a quality public open space within urban

districtswith a vibrant environment, high flexibility,
visibilityandusability.
Use
Socialising, leisure, eating, viewing art or
attendingevents
Individual activities of walking and relaxing
Radius of attraction
It attracts office workers, residents, visitors
from outside, as well as from the immediate

neighbourhood

Amenities
Various amenities
Combination of refreshment kiosks, outdoor
caf,artwork,restrooms,commercialfrontage
aswellasseating,tables,trees,waterfountain,
etc.[OncommercialusesofPOSPD,seealso

Section 3 Management Guidelines for

details.]

>30%andatleast13.5m

Street

Width/LengthRatio (Fig.25)

EXAMPLE(Fig.28)

Major/MinorSpace (Fig.26)

>75%

GreenCoverage

30%min

Visibility

Highlyvisible

OpenToSky

Openair

Slope/Gradient

Preferablyonflatland

Citygate,TungChung

19

DesignGuidelinesforCOURTYARD
DESIGNINTENT:
DIAGRAMOFCOURTYARD(Fig.32)

Physicalqualities
Size

200sqmmin

Shape

Sitespecific

StreetFrontage

(Fig.29)

Courtyard

Street

Courtyard is a quality public open space that is

surrounded by buildings with indirect access from
adjacentstreet.
Use
Socialising, leisure, sitting, eating, relaxing and
childrencaring
Occasionally with small scale programmed
events
Radius of attraction
It attracts office workers, residents, visitors from
outside, as well as from the immediate
neighbourhood
Amenities
Seating, tables, trees, water fountains,
childrens play area, refreshment kiosks and
commercial frontage when necessary [On
commercialusesofPOSPD,seealsoSection3
ManagementGuidelinesfordetails.]

>15%andatleast6m

Street

Width/LengthRatio (Fig.30)

EXAMPLE(Fig.33)

Major/MinorSpace (Fig.31)

>75%

20

GreenCoverage

30%min

Visibility

Visible

OpenToSky

Openair

Slope/Gradient

Preferablyonflatland

LiChitGarden,Wanchai

DesignGuidelinesforPOCKETSPACE
DESIGNINTENT:
DIAGRAMOFPOCKETSPACE(Fig.37)

Physicalqualities
Size

100sqmmin

Shape

Sitespecific

StreetFrontage

(Fig.34)

Street

Pocket Space is a relatively smallsized enclave

public open space that is indented along adjacent
street
Use
Brief stop, resting, sitting, casual gatherings,
waitingandweatherprotection
Radius of attraction
It attracts passers-by or users of immediate
neighbourhood
Amenities
Seating, trees and weather-proof covers

>15%andatleast6m

Pocket
Space
Street

Width/LengthRatio (Fig.35)

EXAMPLE(Fig.38)

Major/MinorSpace (Fig.36)

>75%

GreenCoverage

30%min

Visibility

Visible

OpenToSky

Openair

Slope/Gradient

Preferablyonflatland

ThreePacificPlace,Wanchai

21

DesignGuidelinesforPROMENADE
DESIGNINTENT:
Physicalqualities
N/A

Shape

Sitespecificbutgenerally

elongated

StreetFrontage

N/A

Spatialrecess

Width/LengthRatio 1520mminwidthspatial
recessevery50moflength
Major/MinorSpace Sitespecificbutgenerally
elongated
GreenCoverage

Sitespecific,treesfor
shadingshouldpreferably
beprovided

Visibility

Visible

OpenToSky

Openair

Slope/Gradient

Sitespecific

Street

Size

DIAGRAMOFPROMENADE(Fig.39)

Promenade

Promenade is a linear public open space that

providesforpassiverecreation,apartfrompedestrian
circulation.Itimprovesthepedestrianexperienceand
connectstootherspace/streetsatitstwoends
Use
Leisure, walking, jogging, relaxing
Brief stop, resting, sitting
Occasionally with programmed activities
Arts and sculpture display
Radius of attraction
It attracts office workers, residents and workers
from outside, as well as from the immediate
neighbourhood
Amenities
Seatings, plantings, tree shading and weather
protectionareprovidedforspatialrecess

Street

EXAMPLE(Fig.40)

TsingYiPromenade,TsingYi

22

(Fig.41) SummaryofDesignGuidelinesforDifferentSpatialTypesofPOSPD

CRITERIA

PUBLICGREEN

PLAZA

COURTYARD

POCKETSPACE

PROMENADE
1520m

L
Area>200sqm

Area>500sqm

Area>500sqm

Area
>100sqm

Max15m

Over30%andmin13.5m

Over30%andmin13.5m

Over15%andmin6m

Spatialrecess
every50mof
length

Over15%andmin6m

Shape

Sitespecific

Sitespecific

Sitespecific

Sitespecific

Sitespecificbut
Generallyelongated

StreetFrontage

Over30%
13.5mminwidth

Over30%
13.5mminwidth

Over15%
6mminwidth

Over15%
6mminwidth

N/A

Width/LengthRatio

1:3min

1:3min

1:3min

1:3min

1520mminwidth,spatial
recessevery50moflength

Major/MinorSpace

Sitespecificbutpreferably
75%minformajorspace

Sitespecificbutpreferably
75%minformajorspace

Sitespecificbutpreferably
75%minformajorspace

Sitespecificbutpreferably
75%minformajorspace

Sitespecificbutgenerally
elongated

Area

500sqmmin

500sqmmin

200sqmmin

100sqmmin

N/A

Visibility

Visible

HighlyVisible

Visible

Visible

Visible

OpentoSky

Openair

Openair

Openair

Openair

Openair

Slope/Gradient

Preferablyonflatland

Preferablyonflatland

Preferablyonflatland

Preferablyonflatland

Sitespecific

GreenCoverage

50%min

30%min

30%min

30%min

Sitespecific,
Treeforshadingshould
preferablybeprovided

23

3. ManagementGuidelines

Generally,theresponsibilitiesofownerstomanageandmaintainPOSPDforpublicusearesetout
Facilities
intherelevantcontractualdocumentswiththeGovernment,namelytheleasesand/orDeedsof
Dedication. Usually,ownersoftheprivatedevelopmentsarerequiredto

(i)

permitthepublictoaccesstoand/orenjoysuchfacilitiesforlawfulpurposesandnottoallow
theareatobeobstructed,wherethisisapplicable;and
(ii) manageandmaintainsuchfacilitiestothesatisfactionoftherelevantauthorities.

3.1 PermissibleActivities

InconsideringwhetheraparticularactivityshouldbepermissibleinPOSPD,theownersshould
takeaccountofthefollowingfactors

(a) flexibilityshouldbegiventoaccommodatingaswidearangeofpermissibleusesinPOSPDas
reasonablypossible.Atthesametime,abalanceshouldbestruckbetweentheflexibleuseof
POSPD,rightsofoccupantsoftheprivatedevelopmentsandtheenjoymentofthePOSPDby
othermembersofthepublic;
(b) ingeneral,theusesofPOSPDshouldnotcauseobstructionstopublicpassage,nuisanceand
disturbance to security and privacy of occupants Guidelines
of the private developments or at the
expenseofothermembersofthepublicintheirenjoymentofthePOSPD;and
(c) nounlawfulactivitiesshouldbeallowedonthePOSPD.

Onthebasisoftheabovegeneralprinciples,activitiespermissibleinPOSPDarebroadlyclassified
intothreetypesasfollows

(a) alwayspermissibleactivities;

(b) noncommercialorcharitableactivities;and
(c) commercialactivities.

(Fig.42)

Culturaleventinopenplaza

24

(a)

(b)

AlwaysPermissibleActivities
Mostdaytodayactivitiesshouldbealwayspermissible,includingleisureactivitiessuchaspassive
activities,walking,temporarystay,etc.,withoutanyneedforapplication.

NonCommercialorCharitableActivities
Onavoluntarybasis,ownersmaychoosetopermitnoncommercialorcharitableactivitiesonthe
POSPDsubjecttotheprovisionsinthecontractualdocuments.Ifthenoncommercialorcharitable
activitiesdonotcomplywiththeleaseconditionsorthetermsoftheDeedsofDedication,the
owners should first approach the Lands Department for a waiver under the lease and/or the
BuildingsDepartmentforthenecessarypermissionundertheDeedofDedication(asthecasemay
be). The Lands Department acting in landlord capacity may approve or reject the waiver
applicationatitsdiscretion.Thewaiver,ifapproved,maybesubjecttosuchtermsandconditions
astheLandsDepartmentconsidersappropriate.Theowners/managementcompaniesshouldset
clear application procedures and make them known to the public in a transparent manner to
facilitate community users and the general public to apply for holding noncommercial and
charitableactivitiesonthePOSPD.

SimilartootheractivitiesonPOSPD,nofeeshouldbechargedagainstsuchnoncommercialor
charitable uses if it is expressly provided in the contractual documents that no fee should be
chargedfortheuseofPOSPD.

Italsoremainstheresponsibilityoftheapplicantstoobtaintherelevantapproval/consentfromthe
relevantauthoritiesfortheiruses(suchastheFoodandEnvironmentalHygieneDepartment,the
SocialWelfareDepartment,theHongKongPoliceForceandtheBuildingsDepartment)andto
complywithotherrequirements,asimposedbyGovernmentDepartmentsorundertherelevant
statutesandtoberesponsibleforliabilitiesarisingfromtheuses.

25

(c)

CommercialActivities
If the owners wish topermit commercial activities on thePOSPD, they shouldfirst applyfor a waiver and/ or
permissionasappropriaterespectivelyfromtheLaFacilities
ndsDepartment and theBuildingsDepartment. TheLands
Departmentactinginthelandlordcapacitymayapproveorrejectthewaiverapplication.Thewaiver,ifapproved,
maybesubjecttosuchtermsandconditionsastheLandsDepartmentconsidersappropriateincludingthepayment
of waiver fee to the Lands Department. The Lands Department may consider the waiver applications on a
casebycasebasisandindoingsomaytakeintoaccountthefollowingfactors
(a)
(b)

(c)

(d)
(e)
(f)

(g)

26

whetherthecommercialusewillgiverisetoblockageofmajoraccesspoints,entrancesandwalkwayswithin
thedevelopmentsandhenceprejudicethecapacityoftheremainingPOSPDforpublicenjoyment;
areasdesignatedforopenaircafes,kiosks,book/newsstands,eating/drinkingstalls,commercialexhibition
andevents,andOutdoorRestaurantSeatingAccommodation(OSA)shouldnotexceed10%ofthePOSPDas
ageneralruleofthumb;
whetherbonusGFAhaspreviouslybeengrantedtotheconcernedPOSPD.Generallyspeaking,foraPOSPD
tobeconsideredsuitableforcommercialactivities,atleast10%ofitstotalareashouldnothavebeengranted
bonusGFA.IncaseswherethePOSPDisconnectedtoapassagewaydedicatedforpublicuse,forthese
casestobeconsideredsuitableforcommercialuse,atleast10%ofthetotalareaofthePOSPDandthepublic
passagewayshouldnothavebeengrantedbonusGFA;
thetechnicalfeasibilityandwhetherthereareanylegalimpedimentsinallowingcommercialactivitiesatthe
concernedPOSPD;
Guidelines
viewsoftherelevantDistrictCouncil;
usesincompatiblewith thepurposeof aPOSPD such ascommercial activitiessupportedbypermanent
structuresandestablishmentsforwholesale/retailbusiness,provisionofofficespace,banksormanufacturing
activitiesshouldnotbeallowed;and
anystructureontheareaforcommercialactivitiesshouldcomplywiththerelevantbuildingsregulationsand
requirements.

Ifawaiveratfullmarketwaiverfeehasbeengranted,theownersmaychargefeesforthecommercialactivitieson
thePOSPD.

ApartfromawaiverfromtheLandsDepartmentandpermissionfromtheBuildingsDepartment(asnecessary),itis
theresponsibilityoftheownersorthecommercialoperatorstoseeknecessaryapproval/consentfromtherelevant
Government Departments and authorities, for example the approval by the Food and Environmental Hygiene
DepartmentforOutdoorRestaurantSeatingAccommodationoperation.

(d)

SummaryofPermissibleActivities

AtablesummarisingthethreetypesofpermissibleactivitiesinPOSPDissetoutbelow

TypeA

ExamplesofActivities

ManagementAdvice

ActivitiesAlwaysPermissible,
withoutanyneedforapplication

Leisure activities such as passive activities, walking,

relaxingexercises,temporarystayetc.

The owners / management companies should impose and enforce

minimalrestrictionswithrespecttocrowdcontrolandsecuritywhere
these are necessary, and set rules having regard to sitespecific
context.

Tokeeptheplacecleanandtoundertakepropermaintenance.

TypeB

ExamplesofActivities

ManagementAdvice

NonCommercialorcharitable
Activities
RequiringPermissionby
ManagementCompaniesand
RelevantGovernment
Departments

Noncommercial/charitabletemporaryexhibition,festive
activities, civic education and art and cultural events,
community / charitable events, oneoff event with no
permanentstructuresetc.

Ifthenoncommercialorcharitableactivitiesdonotcomplywiththe
leaseconditionsorthetermsoftheDeedofDedication,theowners
should first approach the Lands Department for a waiver under the
leaseand/ortheBuildingsDepartmentforthenecessarypermission
undertheDeedofDedication(asthecasemaybe).
The owners / management companies should state clearly the
procedureofapplicationsandtherulesandregulationsforconducting
suchactivitiesinPOSPD.
Potentialusersshallsubmitapplicationstotheowners/management
companiesofPOSPDforapproval.

Noncommercial/charitableoutdoor/indoorperformance
suchasmusicalperformance,entertainmentperformance,
orcharitableactivities.

27

TypeB

ExamplesofActivities

ManagementAdvice
Facilities

Ongivingsuchapproval,theowners/managementcompaniesshould
satisfy itself that such activity would not cause obstruction to
pedestrianflow.
Applicants must also obtain approval / consent / licence from
GovernmentDepartmentsandstatutoryauthoritiesasrequiredinlaw
orunderadministrativerequirements.
Theowners/managementcompanyhavetherighttosetsitespecific
rules and requirements on matters such as the appropriateness of
conducting such activity on the site, installation of temporary
structures,theuseofequipment,durationoftheexhibition,andcrowd
controlmeasuresetc.Suchrulesandregulationsshouldbereasonable
and not to impair the reasonable enjoyment of the POSPD by the
public.
If it is expressly provided in the contractual documents that no fee
shouldbechargedfortheuseofPOSPD,theowners/management
companies of the private developments should not charge fees for
suchnoncommercial/charitableuses.

TypeC

ExamplesofActivities

ManagementAdvice

CommercialActivities
RequiringPermissionby
ManagementCompaniesand
RelevantGovernment
Departments

Certain commercial activities which are complementary

andrelatedtotheuseofPOSPDandhavelocalsupport
maybeallowedtobringvibrancyandvitalitytothevicinity,
subject to the 10% ceiling on space in POSPD for
commercialuseandthepaymentofmarketwaiverfees.

Theowners/managementcompaniesoftheprivatedevelopments

Theseactivitiesmightinclude,forexample,foodordrink
services such as open air cafes, eating and/or drinking
stalls

Ifawaiveratfullmarketwaiverfeehasbeengranted,theownersmay

28

shouldobtainpermissionfromtheBuildingsDepartment(asnecessary)
and a waiver from the Lands Department and pay the full market
waiverfees,beforeacceptinganyapplicationsforcommercialactivities
onthePOSPD.
chargefeesforthecommercialactivitiesonthePOSPD.

TypeC

ExamplesofActivities

ManagementAdvice
As a general rule of thumb, areas designated for commercial uses
shouldnotexceed10%ofthePOSPD.Also,generallyspeaking,fora
POSPD to be considered suitable for commercial activities, at least
10% of its total area should not have been granted bonus GFA. In
caseswherethePOSPDisconnectedtoapassagewaydedicatedfor
publicuse,forthesecasestobeconsideredsuitableforcommercial
use, at least 10% of the total area of the POSPD and the public
passagewayshouldnothavebeengrantedbonusGFA.

Potentialusersshallsubmitapplicationstotheowners/management
companiesofPOSPDforapproval.

Theowners/managementcompaniesshallstateclearlytheprocedure
of application and the rules and regulations for conducting such
activitiesinPOSPD.

Applicantsmustalsoobtainseparateapproval/consent/licencefrom
GovernmentDepartmentsandstatutoryauthoritieswhereapplicable,
including from the Lands Department under the leases and other
authoritiesasrequiredinlaworunderadministrativerequirements.

Theowners/managementcompanyhavetherighttosetsitespecific
rules and requirements on matters such as the appropriateness of
conductingsuchactivityinthesite,installationoftemporarystructures,
theuse of equipment, and crowd control measures, etc. Such rules
andregulationsshouldbereasonableandnottoimpairthereasonable
enjoymentofthePOSPDbythepublic.

29

3.2 GuidanceonOperationalStandardsandOtherGeneralResponsibilities

Thegeneralguidanceonoperationalstandardsandothergeneralresponsibilitiesaresetoutbelow

(a)

OpeningHours

Facilities

(Fig.43)

(a) ingeneral,ownersshouldkeepthePOSPDandpublicpassagewaysopentothepublicatthe
hoursstipulatedintheleasesorDeedsofDedicationasthecasemaybe,orotherwiseagreed
bytheGovernment;
(b) POSPDaskeypassageinlocalpedestriansystemorwaterfrontpromenadeshouldbeopen
24hoursadayunlessexemptionisgrantedunderleasesorDeedsofDedicationforsecurity
reasonand/orforpublicsafetyatnight;
(c) different types of POSPD, subject to specific context and the minimum requirements as
specifiedinleases,canhaveitsownrulesofopeninghoursbuttheminimumhoursforpublic
accessshouldnotbelessthan13hours;
(d) informationregardingopeninghoursandboundariesshallbemadeavailabletothepublicand
writtenonaplateatallmainentrancesormajoraccesspointsofPOSPD.

(b)

TransparencyandInformationDissemination

(a) asetofdocuments/informationshouldbemadeavaiGuidelines
labletothepublicforpublicinspection.
Theseinclude(i)rules,andspecificationswithrespecttouseand/orpermissibleactivitiesand
management issues in POSPD;(ii) application procedures anddocumentsfor applying
activitiesinthePOSPD;(iii)openinghours;(iv)locationofPOSPDandhowtogetthere,and
(v)contactsofmanagementcompanies.

(b) informationavailabletothepublicand/ortothelocalcommunitiesshouldbedeliveredby,for
example, noticeboards atprominentlocations ofPOSPD, announcements, newsletters,
periodicalpublicationssuchasmanagementreportsandhardcopiesofdocumentsmade
availableintheofficeofthemanagementcompaniesand/orthroughinformationportalonthe
websiteofthemanagementcompanies.

30

Publicopenspaceatnight

(c)

OtherGeneralResponsibilities
(Fig.44)

(a) owners/managementcompaniesshouldensurepropermanagementwithparticularregardto
personalsafetyandsecurity,cleanliness,andupkeepingtheplacewithpropermaintenance.
Where circumstances permit, owners should be encouraged to provide more green
landscapingandseatingandfacilitiestocaterforneedsofusersirrespectiveofage,gender
andability,e.g.facilitatingaccessforpersonswithdisabilities.
(b) owners/managementcompaniesshouldensurethatthePOSPDandpublicpassagewayswill
notbeobstructedorunreasonablydeniedtothepublic.Owners/managementcompanies
shouldnotconductactivities,andmaystopanyusersfromconductingactivitieswhichwould
undulyobstructotherusersfromenjoyingthePOSPDorwhichblockthepublicaccessand
passageways.

(c) owners / management companies shall have the flexibility to decide on the management
issuessuchas:
(i) usebypets;
(ii) smokinginoutdoorareas;and
(iii) busking.

(d) Subject to the provisions in leases or Deeds of Dedication as the case may be, owners /
managementcompaniesareresponsibletoensurethatthemaintenanceworksforthePOSPD
areundertakentothesatisfactionoftherelevantauthorities.Suchmaintenanceworksinclude
horticulturalandarboriculturalmaintenancework(suchasappropriatepruning,planthealth
care,fertilising,support,etc.)gardeningwork(suchasthereplacementofplantmaterials,
trimming of grassed areas and hedges, etc.) and other maintenance works (such as
replacementandrepairoffencing/railings,watering,littercontrol,etc.).

Accessforthedisabled

takingintoaccountfactorssuchasviewsfromtheusers,thepossibleimplicationsforthe
surroundingenvironmentandtheavailabilityofadequatefacilitiesandmaintenanceserviceto
keepthePOSPDingoodsanitaryconditions.

31

3.3

ApplicationtoPublicPassageway

TheDesignandManagementGuidelinesarenotmeantingeneralforpublicpassagewaysinprivatedevelopments
Facilities
providedunderleasesorDeedofDedication.Iftheownersofpublicpassagewayinprivatedevelopmentssowish,
they are welcome to follow the Management Guidelines, say, in terms of allowing use for noncommercial or
charitableartsandculturalactivities,andtofollowtheDesignGuidelinesinsofarastherequirementsareappropriate
insitespecificcontext,suchasgreening,plantingandseating,onareasonablebasis.

CertainactivitiesalwayspermissibleinPOSPD,suchasdoingrelaxingexercise,shouldbesubjecttositespecific
context,andmightnotbeappropriatewherethepassagewayisservingasamainaccessinashoppingarcade.

For noncommercial / charitable uses, similar to the procedures applicable to POSPD, if the noncommercial /
charitableactivitiesdonotcomplywiththeleaseconditionsorthetermsoftheDeedofDedication,theowners
should approach the Lands Department for a waiver under the lease and/or the Buildings Department for the
necessarypermissionundertheDeedofDedication(asthecasemaybe).TheLandsDepartmentactinginthe
landlordcapacitymayapproveorrejectthewaiverapplicationatitsdiscretion.Thewaiver,ifapproved,maybe
subjecttosuchtermsandconditionsastheLandsDepartmentconsidersappropriate.TheLandsDepartmentand
theBuildingsDepartmentwillconsidertheapplicationsonacasebycasebasis,havingregardtotherelevantfactors
suchassize,configurationandlocationofthepublicpassageways,andwhethertheproposeduseswouldprejudice
their primary functions as public passageways. Similar to POSPD, if it is expressly provided in the contractual
documentsthatnofeeshouldbechargedfortheuseofthe
publicpassageway,theownersshouldnotchargefees
Guidelines
unlessawaiveratfullmarketwaiverfeehasbeengranted.

Forcommercialuses,theLandsDepartmentandtheBuildingsDepartmentwillconsiderindividualapplications,and
theproceduresandcriteriaforPOSPDwouldalsoapply.Inparticular,thecommercialuseshouldnotgiveriseto
blockage of major access points, entrances and walkways and hence prejudice the primary function of the
passageway.The10%ceilingforcommercialactivitiesandthe10%minimumsizeofareawithoutbonusGFA
grantedshallapply.ViewsoftherelevantDistrictCouncilmaybetakenintoaccount.TheLandsDepartmentacting
inthelandlordcapacitymayapproveorrejectthewaiverapplicationatitsdiscretion.Thewaiver,ifapproved,may
besubjecttosuchtermsandconditionsastheLandsDepartmentconsidersappropriate,includingthepaymentof
waiverfeetotheLandsDepartment.

32

Designed by the Information Services Department

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government