Politics
Legislative Council Coastal Resilience Bill Tracker and Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade Upgrades
Tsim Sha Tsui residents and waterfront businesses will see new construction timelines and potential access changes along the harbourfront under the coastal resilience legislation advancing through the Legislative Council.
How we reported this
The Legislative Council is tracking the Coastal Resilience and Harbourfront Adaptation Bill, which sets requirements for elevated walkways and drainage upgrades along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. The legislation directly affects property owners and daily users of the Avenue of Stars and nearby promenades in the district.
The bill reached its second reading stage on 2 July 2026 after the government introduced it in response to repeated high-tide incidents recorded in 2025. Policy analysts note that Tsim Sha Tsui sits within the priority zone identified in the 2024 Harbourfront Commission report because of its exposure to Victoria Harbour surges.
Effects on Local Residents and Businesses
Shop operators along Salisbury Road will face temporary closures during scheduled works that the legislation projects to begin in the first quarter of 2027. Local advocates note that delivery schedules for restaurants and retail outlets in the area could shift by up to two hours on weekdays once barriers are installed. Residents living in nearby public housing estates such as Tai Kwun House may encounter altered pedestrian routes to the MTR station during peak construction months.
The legislation states that the works will cover 1.8 kilometres of existing promenade between the Star Ferry Pier and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The 2025-26 budget paper allocates HK$620 million specifically for Tsim Sha Tsui section drainage and elevation measures, according to Legislative Council records.
Timeline and Next Steps
The bills committee is scheduled to hold its final public hearing on 15 July 2026 before returning the measure to the full council for third reading. The government says the policy will require completion of the first phase of barriers by December 2028. Community groups have submitted written submissions on parking adjustments near the construction zones, which the committee is reviewing.