Transforming idle barges into restaurants, concert venues or swimming pools are among ideas Hong Kong’s Urban Renewal Authority has floated to develop an old residential area into a world-class cove area in the style of Sydney’s Darling Harbour.
Authority managing director Wai Chi-sing said on Sunday that its consultant was studying suggestions on developing To Kwa Wan and the surrounding neighbourhood into a “Victoria Cove Area”.
A preliminary study on the harbourfront development would be ready in the latter half of the year, he said.
Wai said the study, which covered about 800 hectares (1,977 acres) of land and water, would take reference from Darling Harbour in Sydney and Aker Brygge in Oslo.
The former Australian working port and old Norwegian shipyard were transformed into retail, entertainment and tourism facilities.
Hong Kong’s version would “explore repurposing some idle barges to offer catering services, host outdoor music shows, display distinctive light installation art or turn them into swimming pools or floating beaches,” Wai wrote in a blog post.
