Hong Kong park announces three themed properties
Proposals to build three hotels within Ocean Park have been agreed in principle by the Hong Kong SAR Government.
Welcoming the news, Ocean Park chairman Dr Allan Zeman said, “This will enhance Ocean Park’s attractiveness as a tourist destination, and benefit our tourism industry and Hong Kong as a whole.”
Representatives from Ocean Park had a meeting with a government’s task force on January 8 regarding tourist attractions in the Aberdeen area and the park’s ongoing regeneration.
There it was confirmed that three hotels would be built. The Ocean Hotel will be a 660-room three-star type hotel located by the park’s main entrance, while Fisherman’s Wharf, within the Tai Shue Wan area, will be a 460-room four-star property. Located inside the park, at its highest point (The Summit), will be a premium spa hotel with 150 to 180 rooms.
According to Dr Zeman, work is assumed to start on the first hotel in mid 2009, for a 2011 completion. Works on Fisherman’s Wharf and the spa hotel will follow in sequence.
“The completion of our redevelopment and the hotels, and the impending opening of the South Island [subway] Line, will strengthen, as well as complement, the Southern District’s development plans,” believes Zeman.
Ocean Park will now enter a period of consultation with district councils and environmental groups. The construction and management of the hotels is expected to be put out to tender, with operators paying an annual fee.
In the fiscal year 2006/2007, Ocean Park attracted a record 4.92 million visitors. By 2012 it is hoped that number will reach 5.8 million, rising to 7 million in 2015 when the new MTR subway line is complete.
