Ocean Park Unveils its Redevelopment Plan
Hong Kong's Ocean Park last week announced its estimated HKD5.55 billion redevelopment plan which is targeted to commence in 2006 and be completed by 2010 and will double the Park's number of attractions, include 33 new species of animals and an underwater restaurant. Ocean Park is a home grown and valuable asset of Hong Kong with a rich 28-year heritage of providing education, lessons in conservation and entertainment for a staggering 70 million visitors and is beloved by Hong Kong residents and international visitors alike. By 2010, 5 million visitors per year are expected to be able to access the park via various transport options including the proposed MTR South Island Line. "For the past 28 years, Ocean Park has delighted, stimulated and created enormous joy for its millions of visitors from around the world. We are proud to announce the next stage in the park's development that will see it grow into a landmark destination, becoming the pride of Hong Kong as one of the top theme parks in the world," said Allan Zeman, Chairman, Ocean Park.
The new Ocean Park will be divided into two major areas - The Waterfront, formerly the Lowland and The Summit, formerly the Headland - featuring more than 70 distinctive attractions. The Waterfront will be divided into three themed zones: Aqua City, which will house the spectacular new Ocean Park Grand Aquarium complex; Birds of Paradise, a lush tropical haven for a wide variety of avian wonders; and Whiskers Harbour, a playful port of call for families where Ocean Park's signature characters will welcome guests. Towering 150 meters above sea level, The Summit will offer breathtaking views of Hong Kong's southern shores, Aberdeen and neighboring islands. Terraced levels sculptured into the hillside will showcase animals and entertainment from four different global climate zones: Marine World, the Rainforest, Thrill Mountain and Polar Adventure.
Not-to-be missed natural attractions within the new Ocean Park will include the Killer Whale Stadium, an enormous, seashell-shaped air conditioned building with 5000 seats where visitors can view a dramatic Killer Whale show; the Penguin Glacier where penguins slip and slide to the delight of visitors; Polar Bear Cove, the home of enormous and adorable polar bears; Swim with Dolphins where visitors can don wetsuits and come nose-to-nose with the friendly mammals; and Shark Encounter in Aqua City where visitors can enter a protective cage to watch sharks being fed. Visitors will be dazzled by 12 new animal and entertainment shows including the live-action Typhoon Stunt Show in the Rainforest area that combines the best of Hong Kong movie making, Wushu martial art stunt fighting and Hollywood special effects, and tremble at the exhilaration of Everest, the ultimate rollercoaster found at Thrill Mountain. Ocean Park's signature mode of transport, the stunning cable car, will be rebuilt and visitors will also have the option of riding the Summit Express, a funicular train that will whisk visitors through a tunnel at high speed to The Summit, or back to The Waterfront in a matter of minutes.
The new Ocean Park will be developed in phases, allowing for the park to be kept open during the redevelopment period with animals and their habitats kept to a high standard and new entertainment and animal programs continually introduced. The redevelopment is expected to create 37,100 jobs by 2022 and it is projected the completed park will contribute 0.5% to Hong Kong's overall GDP by 2010. The Ocean Park redevelopment master plan also includes a proposal for the development of three hotels to neighbour the park. The hotel development is not essential in driving the new Ocean Park, but will add additional appeal to the overall proposal and will be key to boosting the area as a premier tourist destination. "We believe the new Ocean Park will not only provide nature, conservation and education, but it will also be a catalyst for the development of the Aberdeen Tourism Project, kick starting an exciting revival of the south side of the island," said Mr Zeman. Ocean Park is a not-for-profit organisation, 100 percent wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government and is expected to remain so under the new proposal. The Ocean Park redevelopment should not require any Government subsidies or grants but is expected to be funded by a combination of government and commercial loans.
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