Explore what Ocean Park is all about.
(Hong Kong) November 23, 2006 – Ocean Park's HK$5.5 billion Master Redevelopment Project (MRP) gained momentum today with an epic groundbreaking ceremony to symbolise kick-start of the first phase of construction. To ensure guests continue to experience the very best in edutainment value throughout the redevelopment period, the Park will gradually roll out eight Redevelopment phases over a six-year period beginning with the groundbreaking. This will bring the number of attractions from the current 35, to over 70 upon completion in 2012.
The Park remains open throughout the Redevelopment. In addition to the new animal and rides attractions, each phase will usher in a series of innovative entertainment events to enhance the Park experience for guests. Dr Allan Zeman, Chairman of Ocean Park said, "The phased Redevelopment strategy will enable us to offer something new and exciting all the time, thus maintaining the Park's entertainment and marketing capacity. The entire project will reinforce Ocean Park's niche as a world-class, must-see attraction, and strengthen Hong Kong's reputation as a premier tourist destination."
At the event, the Financial Secretary Mr. Tang led distinguished guests, including Mrs. Selina Chow, Chairman of Hong Kong Tourism Board, Ms. Eva Cheng, Permanent Secretary for Economic Development, Ocean Park's board members and directors, and the Park's family of characters, to usher in a new era for tourism in Hong Kong.
Dr. Zeman added, "The Redevelopment is truly an exciting project – not only for those who are directly involved in every aspect of it, but also to the community, which will benefit from the variety of business and employment opportunities. And the achievements so far are founded on the professionalism and commitment of our entire team, who over the last two years, have worked conscientiously to get us here today."
"We've had record attendances for the year, as well as for individual events like Summer Splash and Halloween. This increase in visitor attendance can be attributed to the Park's successful strategy to develop innovative events that are relevant to both local and international tastes, and to all our unique animal and conservation programmes that connect people to nature. Ocean Park will continuously deliver on this important mandate,"he said.
As Ocean Park enters the beginning of a new era, it is also preparing itself for the upcoming 30th anniversary, which is a testament to the Park's generational value. "People who visited in the early years will now bring their own children and grandchildren, and each of their memories of Ocean Park is unique and dear to their hearts," Dr Zemen said.
"As the ground gets broken to usher in the new, we will continue our dedicated efforts to bring enriching experiences to guests for Christmas, followed immediately with the 30th anniversary celebrations and the launch of a food, music and flower festival in January," Dr Zeman said. "There's so much to look forward to, both for the immediate future, and as the Redevelopment introduces new attractions," he said.
Highlights of the redevelopment strategy
Each of the eight discreet phases will offer guests exceptional edutainment experience 365 days a year. "Staying true to the Park's ethos, our plan is to incorporate our strong conservation values with entertainment excellence. For the first phase, to be completed in early 2007, we bring our guests Sky Fair – the ultimate party in the sky! While in 2008, guests can expect to experience Astounding Asia, where we celebrate and protect Asia's rich animal biodiversity. That is also where our new panda habitat will be. During 2008 - 2009, we will introduce the funicular train and Aqua City, an incredible Oceanic world that will include a state-of-the-art Grand Aquarium, with a lagoon that features daily animal and multimedia shows," Dr Zeman said.
Continuing the redevelopment in 2009 through to 2010, the additional phases will include new attractions in The Summit that will salute life in four different global climate zones: Marine World, the Rainforest, Thrill Mountain and Polar Adventure. Not forgetting the children, Whiskers Harbour is set to become another family favorite, with lots of children's rides and attractions set among an atmosphere that celebrates nature and animals.
"This is the future at Ocean Park, and today's groundbreaking ceremony represents the start of our great journey to connect our guests with nature and to enriching entertainment," Mr. Zeman said.
About Ocean Park
Ocean Park is Hong Kong's unique home-grown theme park with a heritage of delivering family fun and fond memories. Since its opening in January 1977 as a non-profit organization, Ocean Park has developed itself to be a world-class attraction connecting people with nature, and recognized for its animal husbandry, research and relationship with the community. Over 76 million people have visited Hong Kong's premier park since its inception and Ocean Park has remained committed to offer adults and children experiences that blend entertainment with education and conservation.
