Star Ferry Pier, Central

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For the disused Star Ferry Pier in Edinburgh Place, Hong Kong, see Edinburgh Place Ferry Pier.

The newly opened Central Pier

Central Pier 7

The Edinburgh Place Ferry Pier under demolition

Star Ferry Pier, Central may refer to any of the successive generations of pier in Central, Hong Kong used by the Star Ferry for its services across Victoria Harbour to Hung Hom Pier. The current Star Ferry pier is in its 4th generation, and may also be known as Central Ferry Piers 7 and 8. It opened for public service on November 12, 2006.

1 Location
2 Design
- 2.1 Design controversy
3 See also
4 External link

[edit] Location

Central Ferry Piers 7 and 8 were built to replace the Edinburgh Place Ferry Pier in Central, on Hong Kong Island, in pursuit of the Hong Kong plan to reclaim land for development and infrastructure projects.

The pier was moved further into Victoria Harbour, and constructed on reclaimed land approximately 300 metres away from the former site (as the crow flies). The new pier is located directly northwards, in front of the old pier.

Part of the new pier was built at the time of the reclamation for the Hong Kong Station of the Airport Express MTR line and the International Finance Centre. It thus derives its name from having been pier no.7 of the outlying islands ferry piers.

[edit] Design

As these structures occupy a prime waterfront site, the Government had attempted to develop the piers into a new landmark for public enjoyment. The Star Ferry proposed a historical heritage design approach and this pier is being expanded eastwards to resemble a replica of the third generation Edwardian pier. The present mock-Edwardian pier, being a 600-square-metre terminal, features a clock tower with a new set of five bells that sound similar to those of the Edinburgh Place Ferry Pier, despite being controlled electronically.

Construction began in mid-2003.

[edit] Design controversy

Government's attempt at Edwardian architecture drew some criticism from the public in both the design and materials used, and the structure has been criticised as "an imitation of the past without capturing the spirit of the past or present". In letters to the editor of the local newspapers, it has been derided amongst others as "theme park" in appearance.