The naming conventions for MTR exit signs are once again a flashpoint in Hong Kong, as residents of the large Amoy Gardens housing estate challenge the sudden rebranding of a key access point at Kowloon Bay Station. The switch, which saw the longstanding reference to Amoy Gardens replaced by the East Kowloon Cultural Centre (EKCC) on the B-exit signage, has provoked community backlash and calls for immediate restoration.
The controversy follows a similar dispute earlier this year regarding the A-exit at Ho Man Tin Station, prompting community leaders and political figures to urge the MTR Corporation to prioritize established neighborhood identities alongside new cultural landmarks.
Community Unity Challenged by Unexpected Changes
Amoy Gardens, arguably the most prominent residential complex in the Kowloon Bay area, represents a significant chunk of the local population. With roughly 5,000 units and an estimated 17,000 residents, the estate gives its name to what many locals refer to as the “Amoy district.”
Yip Hing-kwok, Chairman of the Amoy Gardens Owners Committee (Phase II), voiced the residents’ frustrations on a local radio program, noting a surge in bewildering calls following the change. He stressed that MTR signage must accurately reflect the community’s established identity and navigational needs. Unannounced alterations, he argued, not only cause confusion for commuters but also risk eroding neighborhood sentiment.
The issue is compounded by previous instances of what residents view as arbitrary changes. Mr. Yip recalled a similar incident six years ago when the signage temporarily replaced Amoy Gardens with the nearby but smaller Telford Gardens, highlighting a lack of consistent criteria in MTR’s naming decisions.
Political Pressure Mounts for MTR Review
The dispute quickly garnered political attention. Legislative Councillor Michael Tien confirmed receiving multiple complaints regarding the replacement of the decades-old Amoy Gardens label with the newly opened EKCC reference.
The legislator has already engaged with the MTR Corporation, noting that the initial feedback was “constructive” and included a promise to review the signage criteria. Tien pledged to continue lobbying on behalf of the residents, citing a successful intervention at Ho Man Tin Station earlier this year. In that previous case, public pressure compelled the MTR to reinstate the names “Homantin Estate/Aimin Estate” alongside the private development name, ONMANTIN, on the exit signs.
Balancing New Landmarks with Place Names
As Hong Kong expands its urban landscape, balancing the visibility of new public facilities like the East Kowloon Cultural Centre with the preservation of foundational neighborhood names remains a complex challenge for the transit authority.
Residents emphasize that clear, consistent wayfinding is vital for daily life and public interest. They strongly advocate for better transparency, urging that any future alterations to station signage should involve prior consultation with the affected local communities. This proactive approach would help ensure that wayfinding signage respects the established navigational habits of long-time residents while appropriately recognizing significant new destinations.
The outcome of the MTR’s review is keenly awaited, as it will likely set a precedent for how future infrastructure changes incorporate community heritage into the city’s vital transit system.