HK$12b transformation of Hong Kong’s Central waterfront: what’s about to happen
Grand plans for the Central harbourfront revamp are being overshadowed by the controversial issue of where to rebuild Queen’s Pier
Fresh debate over where to rebuild Queen’s Pier, the architecturally mundane feature whose removal from its historic site on Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour ignited fierce protests, has deflected attention from a HK$12 billion plan to transform one of the world’s great waterfronts.
It’s a plan that’s about to take off despite continuing doubt about its merits.
Queen’s Pier rebuilding plans anger protesters who fought its demolition
There will be upmarket office space in the form of four low-rise grade A office buildings to go up where the General Post Office stands (the new GPO will be in Kowloon) and along the walkway to the Star Ferry. An office block and a large hotel are also planned for the reclaimed area in front of Citic Tower in Admiralty. In total, 200 000 square metres of floor area will be created, according to Secretary for Development Paul Chan Mo-po.