Revitalised Avenue of Stars Reopens at Victoria Harbour Revitalised Avenue of Stars Reopens at Victoria Harbour

HONG KONG’S AVENUE OF THE STARS HAS BEEN REFURBISHED AND UPDATED WITH 21CENTURY TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE THE EXPERIENCE OF PAYING TRIBUTE TO HONG KONG CINEMA.

After a major three-year overhaul and refurbishment, the Avenue of Stars in Hong Kong has reopened to the public. Part of a multi-year waterfront transformation that also encompasses Salisbury Garden and Victoria Dockside, the new design offers an upgraded and revitalised urban space that allows visitors to experience the transcendence of Hong Kong’s busiest and most exciting cultural waterfront. At the Avenue, visitors can trace more than a century of Hong Kong Cinema, which pays tribute to the names that helped make Hong Kong the ‘Hollywood of the East’.

PRESERVING CINEMATIC THEME

Following the renovations, the Avenue now houses 50 percent more seating capacity, and eight times more greenery, making for a comfortable shaded visitor experience. While preserving the cinematic theme, more attractions have been added with greater accessibility and new innovations.

Handprints and statues of local celebrities include Cantopop diva Anita Mui, actor and martial artist Bruce Lee, anthropomorphic pig cartoon character Mcdull and more. No longer behind barriers the statues are displayed on wooden handrails, making them more convenient for photo opportunities. They’re also surrounded by water features which echo the harbourside ambience. QR codes are displayed next to each statue, which upon scanning, enable visitors to take selfies alongside their favourite star via Augmented Reality (AR) technology.

MAKE WAVES

Taking inspiration from the Hong Kong Film Awards trophy,

the handprints are rendered in the hue of copper colour and in high resolution to allow the fine details of the palm prints to be seen and felt. Visitors can also access biographies of the artists and watch video clips through the QR code next to the statues and handprints.

This is the first waterfront rejuvenation project in Hong Kong developed by New

World Development (NWD) and designed by internationally acclaimed landscape architectural firm James Corner Field Operations (JCFO).

The Avenue is the result of close co-operation between Adrian Cheng, Executive Vice-chairman and General Manager of NWD, and James

Corner, Founder Partner and CEO of JCFO.

Adrian initiated and incorporated the “Make Waves” movement into Victoria Dockside, setting new standards for the city’s waterfront rejuvenation efforts. Together with JCFO, who brought inspiration from their New York High Line Project, international lighting architect Speirs & Major (S+M) and homegrown architect LAAB, they produced the masterplan to transform the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront into a world-class recreation destination.

TRANSFORMING HERITAGE

Adrian Cheng, Executive Vice Chairman of New and the world. By bringing in landscape architect James

Corner and a group of collaborators, we are able to introduce new elements of surprise in the Avenue of Stars. By doing so, we are not only reinventing the public space, but also promoting local culture and celebrating the achievements of Hong Kong’s filmmaking professionals.”

Master landscape architect James

Corner, founder of James Corner Field Operations, draws reference from his famous High Line project in New York to inject the Avenue of Stars with green features and enhanced waterfront accessibility. It also leverages the area’s unique location with the best panoramic views of Victoria Harbour. “The revitalised Avenue of Stars is ‘Asia’s High Line’ in spirit and form,” said Mr Corner. “My design ethos is to design powerful and memorable places that belong in their environment and culture. We call this placemaking – making places that provide delight, surprise and enrich the lives of people who visit and use such places.”

SHOWCASING CULTURE

With the Avenue now open to the public, both the Avenue and Salisbury Garden will provide a variety of platforms and spaces for varied arts and culture events, including installations,

performances, festivals, markets and displays. The Avenue, along with Salisbury Garden, K11 Atelier

Office, K11 Musea museum-retail mall, K11 Artus luxury residences and Rosewood Hotels &

Residences, will be integral components of the larger arts and design emphasis of the entire

Victoria Dockside, offering public platforms for showcasing culture, heritage, leisure experience and spectacle, offering the best of Hong Kong for a global audience.v