Virtual deep-ocean aquarium to make splash near airport

Hong Kong will have its first virtual deep-ocean aquarium at 11 SKIES near Hong Kong International Airport in 2025, K11 Group announced yesterday.

The project is a collaboration with international entertainment enterprise Falcon's Beyond. The Orlando-based company has worked with famous brands like Marvel Studios and Lotte World in South Korea, with other various projects around the world in places like Washington DC, Dubai and Singapore.

In a statement yesterday, K11 Group said the "Vquarium" will open in 2025 at 11 SKIES - the city's latest retail, dining and entertainment landmark near the airport, bringing "the first virtual deep-ocean adventure experience" to Hong Kong.

To create a sense of a deep-ocean environment, the new attraction will be divided into three levels with differently themed areas, boasting a vertical space of up to 13 meters.

Dynamic simulators with special effects and Mixed Reality technology will also be used in the "Vquarium" to enhance visitors' interactive and immersive experiences.

"Visitors will feel as if they are playing explorer on board a deep-ocean exploration submersible to explore the fantastical underwater world, and delve into the depths of the ocean that are otherwise inaccessible to humans. They can also discover rare marine species and unique ocean landscapes during the journey," K11 Group said.

"In addition to immersing themselves in countless Instagram-able moments, visitors can also learn about marine life and the importance of conservation, perfect for curious children," the group added. The new attraction will also have creative dining and retail elements.

The "Vquarium" is one of eight "world class and first-in-Hong Kong entertainment attractions" at 11 SKIES - a HK$20 billion investment in the Sky City project by New World Development - with a floor area of more than 3.8 million square feet.

The complex, which combines three Grade A office towers, has an indoor entertainment hub and more than 800 retail and dining facilities but only opened in phases since last year.

The first phase - K11 Atelier 11 SKIES - has 570,000 sq ft of space and was opened in July last year, drawing tenants from finance and wealth management, healthcare and wellness services, as well as cross-border businesses.

A "retailtainment" section will be opened in the next phase, which will have more than 800 shops, 120 restaurants and eight entertainment attractions.

Apart from the "Vquarium" the group earlier announced four other entertainment attractions.

These include the city's first 4D motion flying theater called Timeless Flight Hong Kong and the first occupational roleplay experience in Greater China named KidZania Hong Kong.

A family-friendly entertainment attraction featuring Paddington Bear - Paddington Play Adventures - and an immersive media art museum Arte Museum from South Korea are the other attractions.

sophie.hui@singtaonewscorp.com