Rehabilitated slopes surround us here at Shek O Quarry. Once a site of industry, it now offers a glimpse into Hong Kong’s changing landscape. The story of Shek O Quarry involves both resource extraction and ecological restoration.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine the year 1841. The “Hong Kong Gazette” mentions quarrying activities in “Shek Lup”. That place is now known as Shek O. This marked the beginning of quarrying in this area. But those original Shek O Village quarries are gone now.
The Shek O Quarry site we see here started operations in 1964. For decades, it was a hive of activity. Heavy machinery extracted valuable rock. This material helped build Hong Kong. The quarry finally ceased operations in 2010.
Consider the scale of this operation. Shek O Quarry produced 23 million tonnes of rock. This happened before its closure. Quarrying reshaped the landscape significantly.
But the story doesn’t end with extraction. The government and the quarry operator, Alliance Construction Materials Ltd, signed a contract in 1994. This agreement included a commitment to rehabilitation. The goal was to restore the area. They wanted to create an environment similar to the surrounding nature.
Think about the challenges involved. The project aimed to reduce the steep angles of the old quarry benches. The team softened the appearance of the angular quarry profile. They created a final profile more conducive to vegetation growth.
The rehabilitation work also included creating a new landform. This new landform blends into the natural landscape of the D’Aguilar Peninsula. The peninsula is named after Sir George Charles d’Aguilar. He was a Lieutenant Governor of Hong Kong.
The project also addressed infrastructure. They constructed a new alignment for Shek O Road. This eliminated a hairpin bend. It shortened the road by 600m.
Ecological considerations were paramount. The team planted native trees and shrubs. These were pioneer species that establish a self-sustaining ecosystem. The aim was to create suitable habitats for birds, mammals and insects. They even provided nesting sites for peregrine falcons on the boundary cliffs.
The landscape architects, URBIS Limited, played a crucial role. Michael Kirkbride developed the Landscape Master Plan. Ecologist Janet Forbes advised on ecological matters. The project sought to create a landscape. The landscape would evolve into an advanced ecological community. This community would mirror the adjacent native slopes. It would have similar flora and fauna.
The project also focused on creating a sheltered marine cove. This was planned for future recreational use. A permanent access road and car park were also constructed. This supported future land use.
The rehabilitation of Shek O Quarry cost 250 million HK$. It was a significant investment in Hong Kong’s environment. The Landscape Institute recognized the project. It was Highly Commended in the LI awards for Design for large scale public.
Today, plans are underway for possible development. A water sports complex was considered. However, the tender was canceled. The government is reviewing the situation. They are considering the way forward.
As you look around, remember the transformation. Shek O Quarry is a testament to Hong Kong’s commitment to sustainability. It showcases how industrial sites can be transformed into spaces of ecological value.