Hong Kong helpers cry out as popular garden in Central to close for underpass work

Asian Migrants’ Coordinating Body says closure of Statue Square Gardens will affect helpers as it serves as vital social hub every Sunday

A Hong Kong migrant workers’ group has urged authorities to expand a pedestrian area in Central on Sundays, as a section of a landmark garden that serves as a popular gathering spot for domestic helpers will temporarily close for the construction of a pedestrian underpass.

The subway is part of the tender requirements for a Central harbourfront site secured by developer Henderson Land Development.

It will run below Statue Square Gardens and connect the Central MTR station at Chater Road to the project site.

According to a paper submitted to the Central and Western District Council last December, the developer proposed temporarily closing part of the garden during the construction of the underpass, citing the complexity and risks involved.

The works, which will also improve the garden’s facilities – including accessible passageways and public toilets – are expected to start early next year at the latest and be completed in four years.

The Asian Migrants’ Coordinating Body said on Wednesday that the closure would significantly affect domestic helpers, for whom the garden was a vital social hub on Sundays, their typical rest day.