Hong Kong authorities have scrapped a controversial plan to install decorative lights along a scenic trail on The Peak to boost the city’s nighttime tourism appeal after a public outcry.
The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and Tourism Board concluded there was no urgent need to roll out the project after assessing the effectiveness of a watered-down version of the attraction, according to a document they submitted to the Central and Western district council and seen by the South China Morning Post on Thursday.
Following criticism from local residents and some lawmakers, authorities swiftly revised the plan by reducing light installations from 10 locations to seven, cutting down the number of lights hanging from trees from 52 to 24, removing some lighting equipment and shortening the display to the end of February next year.
The document said the revised plan still did not necessarily ease concerns despite the assessment of authorities.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said on Thursday night: “Having considered a basket of reasons thoroughly, we decided that there was no urgent need for The Peak light show to go ahead. Therefore, it is our decision that it will not proceed now.”
She added that the Tourism Board worked on more than one light show and the equipment could be used elsewhere. Since the attraction had not yet been launched, resources spent were limited, she said.
The board originally planned small light installations for selected points along the walking trail near Lugard Road and Harlech Road to add to the attraction of The Peak.
The installations featured a soft, low-glare lighting design and were scheduled to operate from 7pm to 10pm on a 12-month trial basis, according to the board.
According to Law, the board had been consulting the district council since April and sent letters to residents between May and September detailing the impact of the project.
As late as October 27, authorities and some district councillors visited The Peak for further feedback about the project.
The show was intended to be part of a new display to premiere alongside the coming Hong Kong WinterFest.
The Peak project was also part of the Tourism Board’s plan to replace the city’s signature “A Symphony of Lights” show at Victoria Harbour.
But in recent weeks, residents on The Peak complained that the installations were an eyesore that ruined the area’s ambience, while tree experts said the lighting project was a mismatch with the natural surroundings.
The document noted that other events would offer visitors special experiences.
They included WinterFest, the New Year’s Eve countdown and other themed products, it said.
