Weddings, alfresco dining and music: Hong Kong’s Star Ferry lays out vision for pumping new life into piers
- Company proposes easing commercial restrictions on Central and Wan Chai piers, arguing extra revenue can help subsidise its ferry operations and boost night economy
- Star Ferry also seeks to renovate its 65-year-old Tsim Sha Tsui pier, adding floor-to-ceiling windows, public viewing deck on second floor and escalator
Hong Kong’s financially struggling Star Ferry has proposed further relaxing restrictions on commercial activities at its piers in Central and Wan Chai to create fresh sources of revenue and help the government’s push to revive the nighttime economy.
The company told the Harbourfront Commission on Friday the two piers were underutilised because of the restrictions and had become less alluring for residents seeking leisure spots by the water following the development of promenades along the shoreline from Kennedy Town to North Point in recent years.
“Star Ferry believes that the granting of commercial concessions should have a dual purpose of generating non-farebox income to improve its financial situation and promote public participation in the harbourfront,” the company said.
The company estimated that its proposed changes could annually generate HK$800,000 to HK$1.5 million (US$102,300 to US$191,810), which could go towards subsidising its ferry services.
