The Cheung Kong Center removed its sign asking people to stay away from its pond yesterday, after complaints were lodged to the government that it was infringing on the public's right to use civic open space.
RTHK reported yesterday that Cheung Kong's security guards did not send away people who sat or stood on the fringe of the pond. The guards also did not bar reporters from filming outside the building.
The Lands Department confirmed on Thursday that it had received two complaints about the centre. It said that District Land Office staff had contacted Cheung Kong's management and explained the space was to be open for public use.
Cheung Kong officials did not respond to attempts to seek a comment about the removal of the sign. Last night an employee said the centre had referred the matter to its property management; calls to the management office were unanswered.
On Thursday, a spokeswoman for Cheung Kong denied the accusations, saying: 'Many people hang around there to smoke, and security guards do not ask them to leave.'
Legislator Lee Wing-tat, who met Lands and Buildings Department representatives this week to discuss the complaints, said that he had asked the departments to divulge how much extra gross floor area the government had provided to Cheung Kong in return for their provision of the open garden.
