Page 53 - URA Annual Report 2020-21

Place-making Initiatives
The URA keeps up its efforts in exploring the application of place-making concepts in its project portfolio, including three projects in the Central and Western District, namely The Center (H6), Peel Street/Graham Street (H18) and Central Market being developed under ‘CONET‘4, aiming to connect the community spaces through diverse events, exhibitions, performances and cultural activities for the enjoyment of the local community.
In 2020, about 14 events were organised by the community at the exhibition space (Community CONET) of H6 CONET and the number of visitors was around 5,000 on a regular weekday. Due to COVID-19, the exhibition space was temporarily closed for a few months. Nevertheless, public access at H6 CONET remained open to facilitate visitor traffic with special onsite arrangements. At H18 CONET, the URA organised a campaign from December 2020 to January 2021 to promote Site B of H18 and the Graham Market highlighting the diversity of services and products offered as well as the local heritage. Some 70 market and shop operators participated in a redemption programme to promote local businesses. Over 100,000 Graham-themed premium items were distributed to local community members who made purchases. A closing ceremony was held at H6 CONET to celebrate the positive results among the business operators, local designers, schools and participating NGOs. With the upcoming opening of Central Market scheduled for the third quarter of 2021, further opportunities for adjoining streets and place-making partner buildings through mural art and other creative ideas are being identified to generate more community interest and street vibrancy to sustain a wider network via CONET.
Exhibitions and performances are held at the URA community spaces including H6 CONET and Central Market.
The promotional programme organised at H18 CONET as a ‘place-making’ initiative is well received by the participating shop operators.
4 CONET stands for Community, Open space and NETwork
URA ANNUAL REPORT 2020-21 49
Operating Review Corporate Sustainability Management Discussion and Analysis Projects at a Glance Corporate Governance