THE design of the Universiade flame tower square on the shores of Shenzhen Bay would be unveiled soon, according to the city’s bureau of public works.

The bureau has completed public consultations for a preliminary design and would make adjustments according to public opinion and suggestions.

According to an interim design, the square will include the flame tower, and be connected with the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center by an elevated footbridge, Youth Avenue, over Shahe West Road.

College students had submitted eight proposals, five of which had been awarded by the bureau.

Qian Qian, deputy head of the Shenzhen Beilinyuan Landscape and Architect Design Institute, said the creative factors in designs by students would be incorporated into the final design to make the square a new historic landmark in Shenzhen.

In the wake of the 26th Universiade, Shenzhen decided to preserve the 26-meter-high flame tower with the planned square.

In an earlier opinion poll, more than 80 percent of 500 respondents were opposed to the relocation of the flame tower.

“As the youngest city to stage the international sports event, Shenzhen should respect the legacy of the Games, as well as residents’ contributions,” said Zheng Jianping of the China Tourism Design Institute.

More than 70 percent of the respondents hoped the park would be a venue for sport, cultural and leisure activities.

Respondents said the park should become a multifunctional public space.

More than half of the respondents agreed on reshaping the shoreline along the park to make it look like a U.

(Martin Li)