From the promotional material for Sun Hung Kai's new Park One development in Shatin (above), it appears that the Hong Kong government continues to learn nothing about planning.
Over the years, the Parkview development on Hong Kong Island has received a ton of criticism. While probably a nice place to live (unless your name is Kissel), with stunning views over Tai Tam Country Park, for everyone but the handful of wealthy residents it is an ugly eyesore that blights the view from just about every corner of the park.
Two decades on, and the government is still permitting developers to stain the countryside and ruin green views with massive hilltop developments that stick out like a sore thumb. When will Hong Kong be run for the benefit of the people and not the big property developers? (I know, silly question - when we get real democracy. Which may be why we don't.)
Not content with raping the countryside, Sun Hung Kai is taking liberties with the English language as well, by describing this as a "low-rise" development. Huh? To me, you, and most people, low-rise means 3 or 4 floors at most - something you can walk up without needing a lift. Far from being low-rise, Park One is about 50% higher than the building in Rotterdam that claims to be Europe's first high-rise. But then, SHK is the company that succeeded in changing the laws of physics.
Still, all is not bad news for the environment in Hong Kong. It was announced a couple of weeks ago that the disastrous Soko Islands LPG terminal plan will not go ahead. Cheers!
6 comments:
It is true; the approach does seem to be at odds with the investment thesis of Private Beachside Villas Co. Ltd.
But I suspect, Sir, you are merely feeling a little "blue" at not have a slice of the profits from this particular venture.
As we at Rothwell-Gornt say, "a little money can go a long way".
Best of joss,
In the unlikely event of my having money to invest, I would try to avoid putting it into things I disapprove of.
Dear Sir,
To disapprove of making money on any grounds represents a terrible missed opportunity.
I fear greatly for the shareholders of Private Beachside Villas Co. Ltd. if this is the approach of their Taipan!
Best of joss,
Ever heard of ethical investment?
Oh sorry, this is Hong Kong...
With all respect, talk of "ethics" is a sign of going soft! Hong Kong cannot afford to lose any more ground.
Best of joss,
With respect, it's lack of ethics - bankers putting greed ahead of integrity - that created the present credit crisis. In the short term , unethical behaviour may have business benefits. In the long term, it destroys the trust that is vital to continued prosperity.
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