Hong Kong developer to start revamp of Avenue of Stars next month, despite doubts over expansion plan

Work to revamp Tsim Sha Tsui's Avenue of Stars will begin next month, the developer that manages the attraction says, despite a public outcry that has delayed its ambitious expansion plans.

New World Development informed Yau Tsim Mong District Council's traffic and transport committee of its decision yesterday, despite uncertainty over its scheme to expand the avenue to Hung Hom in return for a new 20-year agreement to run the site.

"For the existing Avenue of Stars, renovation will start later this year. More signs will be put up and the pedestrian path will be diverted," Jeff Tung Jing-kong, senior project director for New World, told councillors.

The Town Planning Board approved the plan, submitted jointly by a non-profit subsidiary of New World and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, a fortnight ago, but the proposed public-private partnership has since experienced two setbacks.

Firstly, two activists applied for a judicial review of the board's decision. Secondly, the department - faced with outrage over the decision to grant the project to a developer without competitive tendering - said it would launch a public consultation before entrusting the avenue to New World for 20 more years.

Councillor Chan Siu-tong of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong asked whether this would delay the scheme.

Tung sidestepped the question, but said: "We are still in close liaison with the [department] to discuss the designs … After receiving the planning conditions from the Planning Department, we will commence technical feasibility studies and consult stakeholders as soon as possible."