Statue Square Gardens to partly close for tunnel works

The Development Bureau on Wednesday said part of Statue Square Gardens will be closed for four years to facilitate the proposed construction of a pedestrian tunnel connecting Central MTR Station to a new open space at the Central Harbourfront.

The bureau said construction is scheduled to begin no later than early 2027 and will take about four years.

Writing on a social media post, it said that the construction site for the tunnel will be located in Statue Square Gardens near the northern end of Chater Road, and it will not impact the Cenotaph and Statue Square nearby.

The bureau emphasised that during the construction, developers will ensure that the pedestrian walkway nearby will remain clear and keep the surrounding areas clean.

As for the construction of the new open space, the bureau said the first-phase of construction is expected to finish next year, while the rest will be completed by 2032.

Officials will report on the project’s latest arrangement to the Central and Western District Council in the middle this year.