THE Star Ferry pier in Central one of the oldest landmarks on Hong

Kong's waterfront will be relocated together with its clock tower,

the Legislative Council's public works subcommittee was told

yesterday.

Officials of the Territory Development Department revealed that the

government had decided to move the Star Ferry Pier close to Pier 7,

where ferry routes are running between Central and Cheung Chau, Peng

Chau and Silvermine Bay.

Under the proposal, the pier will be demolished in two years.

After the completion of the Central reclamation phase III in 2006,

many recreational facilities will be set up to attract tourists.

It was also revealed that the Chief Executive in Council had already

approved the amendment and the department is negotiating with the Star

Ferry company on the outlook of the pier.

A department spokesman said they recognised the historical

significance and importance of the Star Ferry Pier and so would try to

preserve its original "image".

Star Ferry Company director and general manager Frankie Yick Chi-ming

said the company hoped that the future Star Ferry Pier could straddle

both Pier 7 and the proposed Pier 8.

Mr Yick also hoped that there would be an air-conditioned flyover

connecting the Hong Kong Station and the future Star Ferry Pier to

facilitate the flow of passengers.

The project is expected to start in mid 2002 and be completed by 2006.

The public works subcommittee of Legco's Finance Committee has also

endorsed the department's proposal to upgrade the investigation work

on the proposed Central reclamation phase III at an estimated cost of

$35.7 million.

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