Back alleys of Kowloon East (KE), mainly in the Kwun Tong Business Area, with many previously being unattractive and underused. Back alleys between buildings can be better utilized by integrating into the pedestrian network of the whole business area. The Back Alley Project @Kowloon East is a quick-win that can be carried out in the short-run. Groups from various sectors, including non-profit organizations, social enterprises, academic institutes, students, local and overseas artists, were invited to participate in the project in beautifying selected back alleys with creation of colorful street art and in energizing the back alleys with introduction of place-making activities. This project not only attracts more pedestrian use but also embraces social inclusion in the process of improving the neighbourhood.
Besides, we sponsored the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation to conduct a research with experiments to examine the walkability of Kowloon East. Design recommendations for the use of back alleys were concluded. For example, the naming of the alleys was proposed in memory of the industrial era of Kwun Tong.
Thereafter, we have commissioned the Feasibility Studies on Pedestrian Environment Improvement Schemes for Kowloon Bay and Kwun Tong Business Areas, with the aim to formulate improvement proposals for enhancing walkability in the areas.
With the support of the Highways Department, the back alleys were resurfaced. Colours and patterns are added. We also closely communicate with relevant government departments, like the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, to improve the environment of the back alleys.
Other than back alleys, we also worked closely with the Art Promotion Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department in painting artworks on the external walls of some government premises. We also support a social enterprise RunOurCity and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation to collaborate with private building owners in beautifying the external walls along the back alleys.
In addition, adopting a place-making approach, we support the back street run series of “RunOurCity” in Kowloon East.
We hope that the Back Alley Project @Kowloon East can attract more pedestrians using back alleys and relieve the congestion along the main roads during peak hours.
The project is only a start in improving the environment of back alleys. We will monitor the situation and adjust our way forward as necessary. We believe that there are a lot of opportunities to cooperate with various stakeholders to add vitality to the back alleys, and embracing social inclusion in the process of improving the neighbourhood.