Historical heritage design
To help allay worries, the Government accepted a proposal from Star Ferry to adopt a historical heritage design approach. It used the way the piers looked in 1912 as the blueprint for constructing the new piers and clock tower.
Construction began in mid-2003. As these structures occupy a prime waterfront site, the Government took the opportunity to develop the piers into a new landmark for public enjoyment.
The top floor of each pier features a public viewing deck, with a pitched glass roof. The deck will have a restaurant and cafe, along with sitting-out areas with benches and landscaping.
The piers are open structures with few walls, providing an unfettered view across the harbour to Kowloon.
The roofs of the two piers are built mostly of glass to allow in natural sunlight. The piers' open design allows good natural ventilation, and does not require air-conditioning.
Clock tower an icon
Both ground level and elevated walkways provide direct public access to the piers. The area beneath the Central Terminal Building will remain open space while the clock tower will become a striking landmark.
Earlier, the Star Ferry Company carried out a technical feasibility study to see whether it could relocate the existing clock mechanism from the old pier. An expert and specialist clock supplier advised against it as there was no guarantee the clock and chimes would continue to work after being moved, due to their age and obsolete components.
Ongoing maintenance of the ageing clock mechanism had also become difficult. So the company made the decision to replace the existing clock, along with a new set of five bells that sound similar to those of the old one.
The new clock is electronically operated but the new bells will chime in the same old way, by mechanical percussion. After the existing clock tower is demolished, the five old bells will be put on display in the new tower's hall.
Mr Tang said the company will conduct fitting-out works for the two new piers and the Central Terminal Building soon. The new terminal at Central Piers 7 and 8 will come into operation in November.
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