The Avenue of Stars, located along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, is a must-visit destination for tourists in Hong Kong. The Urban Planning Committee of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government approved a plan on the 21st to revitalize the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, including the expansion of the Avenue of Stars. The plan aims to divide the waterfront promenade into areas for dining, recreation, and leisure, with construction expected to take approximately 3 years.
It is reported that the revitalization plan will start from the Salisbury Garden west of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, passing through the Avenue of Stars, and extending to the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront garden connecting to the Hung Hom Railway Station.
A spokesperson for the Urban Planning Committee stated that the Avenue of Stars attracts a large number of visitors, and revitalization could enhance facilities and attract more people.
Yau Si-wing, a member of the Legislative Council representing the tourism sector, introduced that many facilities around the Avenue of Stars are aging, and the handprint markers on the ground are not convenient for tourists to appreciate. The nearby tourist bus parking area is often overcrowded, affecting traffic flow, particularly the section from the Cultural Centre to the InterContinental Hotel. The renovation plan suggests adding a film museum, restrooms, boutique shops, and tea houses, which will help extend the tourist attractions to the area around the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel, increasing the capacity for visitors along the waterfront.
After the expansion, the entrance to the Avenue of Stars next to the Hong Kong Museum of Art will be developed into an arts and culture corridor, becoming an outdoor performance venue. Near the Tsim Sha Tsui East direction, a "Dining Area" will be added, allowing citizens and tourists to enjoy the sea view while dining; further along will be a "Recreation Area," which will feature exhibition spaces for films and observation decks; a section under the Hung Hom bypass footbridge will be designated as a "Leisure Area," providing space for artists to perform and showcase their works.