Hong Kong’s Star Ferry Company has proposed transforming one of its oldest ferries into a new attraction at the Central harbourfront.
The plan, unveiled by the Harbourfront Commission on Tuesday, would see the Celestial Star ferry placed where the Ferris wheel is currently located once its tenancy expires in two years’ time.
Celestial Star entered service in 1955 and is one of the oldest among the Star Ferry fleet. It was retired in 2011 and currently rests in Tin Kau.
The old boat would be refurbished according to its current structure, with the upper deck acting as an open-air restaurant with two viewing decks, and the lower deck containing cafes, bars and an exhibition on the Star Ferry’s history.
The boat would sit on an artificial pond, surrounded by a fountain, flag poles and an open area with (actual) grass and wooden decks.
The proposal says that the aim is to provide “public enjoyment” and secure revenue to subsidise the current ferry operations.
