Preservation potential: The special features of the old Star Ferry pier and clock tower may be incorported into the design of the new Central harbourfront.

A study will be launched to see how to incorporate the special features of the old Star Ferry pier and clock tower into the design of the new Central harbourfront, the Planning Department says.

The tender exercise for the study will be completed early next year. During the study process, public engagement activities will be held to gauge views from the Town Planning Board, Harbour-front Enhancement Committee, lawmakers and district councillors, related organisations and the public on the urban design of the Central harbourfront. Detailed features of the old Star Ferry pier and clock tower have been recorded and stored as 3D images through an advanced laser-scanning technology.

Meanwhile, the Antiquities Advisory Board confirmed at its meeting today members did not raise any objection to the demolition of the old Star Ferry pier and clock tower as well as the re-provisioning proposal in a meeting in March 2002.

The board had asked the Government to preserve the significant relics of the clock tower and the Queen's Pier and consider reconstructing them in the new harbourfront.

According to the Antiquities & Monuments Office's survey report of historical buildings and structures within the project area of the Central Reclamation Phase III, the Star Ferry pier and clock tower were considered as a key landmark in Hong Kong and an impressive tourist attraction, though the structure was not a historical building because of its year of construction.

The report recommended that the clock tower be relocated, if not the whole pier building, to a new suitable area in harmony with its ambiance.