The infrastructure improvements are made under the Invigorating Island South Initiative, a development scheme announced in the 2020 Policy Address, aiming to create better connectivity between Southern District and the rest of the city, with improved public facilities.

Preliminary work began last year when the office opened up the enclosed landscape and lawn area adjoining Ap Lei Chau Park, widened the waterfront promenade next to the open-air public car park in Ap Lei Chau North and overhauled marine-related signs around Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter. "The office has begun improvement works for public space in the area, including opening up the vacant area adjacent to Ap Lei Chau Main Street Sewage Pumping Station and expanding the children's playground in Ap Lei Chau Park," Linn said.

The office has started building steps and disembarking facilities at the northeastern pier of Ap Lei Chau, and plans to build off Ap Lei Chau Praya Road for getting on and off boats safely.

The office also plans to improve the land outside Hung Shing Temple in Ap Lei Chau to "enhance the visual connection between the temple and the sea," and to provide more flexible space for ceremonial events.

"It is also working to include storage space for dragon boats, an observation deck and restaurants on a plot of undeveloped open space in northeast Ap Lei Chau to pay homage to the district's hundred-year old dragon boat and fishing heritage," Linn said.

The senior town planner for the Invigorating Island South project, William Wong Wing-tak, said work on the Wong Chuk Hang Green Link, which aims to connect new development projects in Wong Chuk Hang with Aberdeen Country Park, is expected to be completed by June.

Work to construct a 450-meter boardwalk along the northern bank of the Staunton Creek Nullah will begin early next year.

The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the office have made proposals to renovate the sports center, sports ground and swimming pool at Wong Chuk Hang, and set up other facilities including a skate park, health center and a library.

The Civil Engineering and Development Department will conduct studies this year for a 60km "Round-the-Island" Trail connecting the harborfront on Hong Kong Island's northern shore with promenades and countryside trails in the Southern district, aiming to connect 90 percent of the trail within the next five years.

Environmental impact studies will tart on several other projects.