Have you subscribed our Newsletter yet? This week our CEO Jennifer Walker Frisinger was part of a discussion panel at a press conference to launch Civic Exchange's "Managing Vibrant Streets" research report.There are more upcoming public participation programmes launched by WMA in this week. More community stories along DVRC are published in the April Edition. Subscribe and check out our updates!

Walk DVRC's CEO Jennifer Walker Frisinger was part of a discussion panel at a press conference to launch Civic Exchange’s “Managing Vibrant Streets” report. The panel guests shared their perspectives on how to improve the vibrancy of our streets and the importance of public engagement and collaborations. Jennifer believes our streets are missing the following elements: social inclusiveness, access to water facilities, and technology infrastructure that make us a “Smart” city.

Markus Shaw, chairman of Walk DVRC Ltd introduced our latest project, the Sheung Wan Fiesta, to the Foreign Correspondents' Club yesterday. The Fiesta proposes to close a two-block section of DVRC to vehicular traffic. The new pedestrian space will feature cultural and heritage at its heart through food and performance while promoting traders and historical sights in the area. It plans to run from September to November this year for a total of 90 days. The main traffic in the Central area would be diverted, trams would be kept running and one lane of traffic would kept open to ensure disruption to traders could be kept to a minimum. The Fiesta raised a lot attention from variety of stakeholders, from local communities / shop owners to district councilors. However, we want to work together with our stakeholders to come up with the best solution. As Markus said, "The district councillors and shopkeepers won't know if the scheme benefits them unless we trial it."

Carol "Do Do" Cheng, Hong Kong's renowned TVB actress and host, encouraged Hong Kongers to proactively add more walking into your daily life. In her radio segment " When I Was Young I Listen To The Radio" with Alton Yu, the two discussed the walking environment in Hong Kong. Do Do praised Walk DVRC for our efforts in making Central a more walkable area. If you didn't have a chance to listen to the segment, go on 881903 website to review the discussion.

Markus Shaw, Chair of Walk DVRC, shared his goal to transform Hong Kong’s Des Voeux Road Central into a pedestrian oasis during his interview with SCMP. As Des Voeux Road Central is currently one of the most polluted and congested streets in Hong Kong, Shaw believes we should revert back to cycle-friendly, pedestrian-friendly transport as demonstrated by many sustainable European cities. Experts shared a similar view that Hong Kong should reduce car dependency and encourage green transport. Local groups have also promoted walkability through walking tours and historical appreciation, while Walk DVRC’s recent launch of the “Discover DVRC” map with Urban Discovery showcased some of the local businesses to explore in Central and Sheung Wan. Shaw suggested that the government should plan our city in a way that the people want the city to be planned, and projects like Walk DVRC can build the self-confidence Hong Kong needs to show the community that it is still a competitive, world-class city.

Board Chairman Markus Shaw was a guest speaker at the CRECCHKI luncheon seminar on walkability and public space last Friday. The presentation was well-received, raising media’s attention on the execution of the road closure and upcoming project. We are currently planning with multiple parties to create a longer road closure and preparing for an international design competition. Be sure to follow us for our future updates!

Special thanks to CRECCHKI for hosting the seminar and sponsoring our participation in UABB!