Hong Kong’s government would take an extremely cautious approach to restoring the Mong Kok pedestrian zone on Sai Yeung Choi Street South, Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau Secretary Rosanna Law said. The zone ended in 2018.
Law was responding to a question from Liberal Party legislator Shiu Ka Fai, who asked about bringing the zone back and allowing orderly street performances. Law said past street performances had caused disturbances involving noise, environmental hygiene, street management and public order, and had prompted many complaints. She said residents’ needs must be considered. Many performances use loudspeakers.
Law said the government had sought views from different departments. Any proposal would require district consultation and assessments of traffic, noise and environmental hygiene impacts.
Law said outdoor performance spaces already exist and encouraged government departments and businesses to open their premises for performances. Another legislator suggested reorganising vacant Temple Street stalls to create a dedicated performance space. Law said the idea would depend on stall licensing and residents’ views.