HarbourLoop in 2021

Initiated by Lead8 in 2015, HarbourLoop is a vision to unite existing and future planned sections of Hong Kong's iconic Victoria Harbour by transforming the waterfront and underutilised coastal land with a multi-use activity pathway.

The original concept proposed a continuous 23-kilometre loop around the harbour, encompassing both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. To complete the loop, two physical crossings were envisioned between Lei Yue Mun and Shau Kei Wan and between the Central Ferry Piers and West Kowloon Cultural District. Since then, this vision has been evolving. By encompassing the planned waterfront features in the Kai Tak Development area, the HarbourLoop proposal now comprises 30 kilometres of waterfront land.

In recent years, Harbourside development in Hong Kong has taken significant strides, with underutilised coastal land now rare. However, being fragmented into tens of segments and phases, it is often unknown which parts of the harbourfront are open or opening to the public. Here we explore the past, present, and promising future of HarbourLoop's waterfront.

Lead8 is in the final stage of its preliminary impact study for HarbourLoop in collaboration with the University of Hong Kong (HKU). The research uses innovative Spatial Design Network Analysis (sDNA), developed by Cardiff University in conjunction with HKU, to map a 3D pedestrian network around HarbourLoop.

The ongoing project aims to produce a comprehensive understanding of the current walkability between districts and Hong Kong’s harbourfront. The software enables the HarbourLoop proposal to be analysed with real data and reveal the effect of integrating neighbourhoods to a waterfront mobility network.

The initial phase selected Quarry Bay as the case study from which future districts could be modelled. With the decentralisation of Hong Kong’s CBD, emerging waterfront commercial districts such as Island East present compelling opportunities. Using network science, the team has mapped the current pedestrian networks across Quarry Bay and can model the result of differing interventions.

“The HarbourLoop proposal is extremely fortunate to benefit from this cutting-edge technology by HKU. Our team is helping to build a deeper understanding of the connectivity around Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour and make evidence-based planning suggestions that we hope will help to create future change for the city’s urban planning,” said David Buffonge, Co Founder & Executive Director at Lead8.

Thank you to ULI Hong Kong for inviting Lead8 Co Founder & Executive Director David Buffonge to join in the ‘Forum for a New Central’ Webinar series.

The ‘New Central: Walk & Talk’ session brought together David and fellow industry leaders and specialists to discuss walkable urbanism, human-centred planning and pedestrianisation initiatives in Hong Kong. The session showcased a collective enthusiasm for Hong Kong’s urban development and how different initiatives are moving the agenda forward.

“Our attitudes towards public space are changing – illuminating new possibilities for our city environments. Discussions such as today’s shine a light on the wide-ranging conversations needed to make these projects possible, from public-private collaboration to stakeholder engagement and the urban design strategies,” said David.

Lead8 is collaborating with the University of Hong Kong (HKU) to map a 3D pedestrian network around HarbourLoop using the latest Spatial Design Network Analysis (sDNA) software.

Lead8 was delighted to participate in the inaugural ULI Hong Kong Conference, recently held at the iconic Tai Kwun. Centering on the theme ‘Hong Kong’s Past, Present, and Future’, industry leaders and experts exchanged thought-provoking insights that stimulated valuable conversations to build a better Hong Kong.

HarbourLoop, a vision to transform the contours of Hong Kong’s waterfront into an iconic 23 kilometre urban walking, running, and cycle network, was awarded the WINNER Honor in the Excellent Communications Design-Urban Space & Infrastructure category of German Design Award 2018 in Frankfurt, Germany on 9 February. Launched in 2012, the German Design Award is one of the world’s most renowned design competitions and commends projects that truly represent pioneering contributions to the international design landscape.

Lead8’s HarbourLoop is the winner of the German Design Award 2018 in the Excellent Communications Design – Urban Space and Infrastructure category.

The Lead8 designed HarbourLoop has been shortlisted in the WAN Future Projects Urban Design Awards 2016.

The HarbourLoop is a vision to transform the contours of Hong Kong’s waterfront into an iconic 23 kilometre multi-use active pathway.