Hotel influx ahead of MTR opening worries Sai Ying Pun residents
New MTR station is attracting developers, with latest tower project causing concerns that the neighbourhood will lose its charm
Residents in Sai Ying Pun are afraid their neighbourhood will be destroyed by a surge in new hotels drawn to the area by the city's newest MTR station, which is set to open this month.
The latest hotel project is at the eastern end of Third Street, which is lined with mainly walk-up apartment buildings and garages in the heritage-rich residential district.
The plan was approved five years ago but many locals were not aware of the proposal until the developer sought to revise the plan recently.
The project would be the first hotel on the sloping part of Sai Ying Pun, raising concern from locals and conservationists that the development would significantly alter the residential nature of the area.
At present, all the hotels in Sai Ying Pun are on the flatland on Queen's Road West, Des Voeux Road West and Connaught Road West.
Over the past seven years, since the MTR announced its plan to build the Sai Ying Pun station, the area has seen the construction of at least 10 hotels. Seven others, including the Third Street project, are in the pipeline after securing approval from the Town Planning Board.
As well, the district is experiencing an influx of trendy bars and restaurants.
