The government will try its best to find a balance way between infrastructure development and heritage protection, Hong Kong's chief executive Donald Tsang assured his fellow citizens in a letter published on Sunday.

He said a "collective memory" has sparked something of an awakening in the community, as people seek to identify with the place they were brought up and where they work and live, referring to the protest against the destruction of old star ferry port in Central.

"We cannot ignore this awakening, and I personally treasure this awakening," Tsang admitted in his letter, saying he realized that people today no longer see urban developments as paramount, especially when the loss of heritage buildings is the price we pay for progress.

However, he called the community to understand Hong Kong's construction and urban development are essential for a better investment environment. Hong Kong's development is in danger of being hampered by insufficient and slow public investment, he warned.

Tsang promised the public that the government will keep an open mind to listen and collect the opinions on infrastructure development and heritage conservation within the community for the best solution.