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Saturday, Feb 22, 2025
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Legco approves HK$6.8b Ocean Park rebirth plan
Lawmakers have approved a HK$6.8 billion rebirth plan for the city’s debt-ridden Ocean Park, which includes a HK$2.8 billion funding comprise of HK$1.66 billion to help with the park’s operation and capital expenditures and HK$1.12 billion for conservation and education work.
The debate went on for hours where lawmakers raised concerns over the park’s financial status, and whether the funding will be used in the right place.
A total of 26 legislators eventually vote in support to give another lifeline to the theme park, with only one lawmaker voted against the plan. There were no abstentions.
Several lawmakers did not cast their vote, including Starry Lee Wai-king, chairwoman for Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, Roundtable lawmaker Michael Tien Puk-sun, and Federation of Trade Unions' Alice Mak Mei-kuen.
Tien said the theme park’s new water park - which is still under development, has gone over budget from the original HK$2.2 billion to HK$4 billion.
“What if the park cannot repay their debts, or they are still running behind their expenses in the future? I am worried that the park will come to the Legco each year to ask for money,” said Tien.
He said the park is over-optimistic with its estimation of local tourists that will visit the park, therefore not casting his vote.
Meanwhile, park chairman Lau Ming-wai is confident with the park’s rebirth, which he has high hopes with the water park that will be ready for visitors this summer.
He said the park, after the revamp, will offer visitors a “South-California vibe” with its outdoor retail, dining and entertainment zone on the coastline.
“The zone located at the park’s lower park area will be free of charge. With the park only minutes away from Admiralty, I am confident that it will attract citizens to be there multiple times a year,” said Lau.
A total of 26 legislators eventually vote in support to give another lifeline to the theme park, with only one lawmaker voted against the plan. There were no abstentions.
Several lawmakers did not cast their vote, including Starry Lee Wai-king, chairwoman for Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, Roundtable lawmaker Michael Tien Puk-sun, and Federation of Trade Unions' Alice Mak Mei-kuen.
Tien said the theme park’s new water park - which is still under development, has gone over budget from the original HK$2.2 billion to HK$4 billion.
“What if the park cannot repay their debts, or they are still running behind their expenses in the future? I am worried that the park will come to the Legco each year to ask for money,” said Tien.
He said the park is over-optimistic with its estimation of local tourists that will visit the park, therefore not casting his vote.
Meanwhile, park chairman Lau Ming-wai is confident with the park’s rebirth, which he has high hopes with the water park that will be ready for visitors this summer.
He said the park, after the revamp, will offer visitors a “South-California vibe” with its outdoor retail, dining and entertainment zone on the coastline.
“The zone located at the park’s lower park area will be free of charge. With the park only minutes away from Admiralty, I am confident that it will attract citizens to be there multiple times a year,” said Lau.
