After a major three year overhaul and refurbishment, the Avenue of Stars (the Avenue), the first waterfront rejuvenation project in Hong Kong developed by New World Development (NWD) and designed by internationally acclaimed landscape architectural firm James Corner Field Operations (JCFO), has reopened. Part of a multi-year waterfront transformation that also encompasses Salisbury Garden and Victoria Dockside, the new design offers an upgraded and revitalised urban space that allows visitors to experience the transcendence of Hong Kong’s busiest and most exciting cultural waterfront. At the Avenue, visitors can trace more than a century of Hong Kong Cinema, which pays tribute to the names that helped make Hong Kong the ‘Hollywood of the East’.

Following the renovations, the Avenue now houses 50% more seating capacity, and eight times more greenery, making for a comfortable shaded visitor experience. While preserving the cinematic theme, more attractions have been added with greater accessibility and new innovations. Handprints and statues of local celebrities include Cantopop diva Anita Mui, actor and martial artist Bruce Lee, anthropomorphic pig cartoon character McDull and more.

No longer behind barriers, the statues are displayed on wooden handrails, making them more convenient for photo opportunities. They’re also surrounded by water features which echo the harbourside ambience. Taking inspiration from the Hong Kong Film Awards trophy, the handprints are rendered in the hue of copper colour and in high resolution to allow the fine details of the palm prints to be seen and felt. Visitors can also access biographies of the artists, or watch video clips through the QR code next to the statues and handprints.

The Avenue is the result of close co-operation between Adrian Cheng, Executive Vice-chairman and General Manager of NWD, and James Corner, Founder Partner and CEO of JCFO. Adrian initiated and incorporated the “Make Waves” movement into Victoria Dockside, setting new standards for the city’s waterfront rejuvenation efforts. Together with JCFO who brought inspiration from their New York High Line Project, international lighting architect Speirs & Major (S+M) and homegrown architect LAAB, they produced the masterplan to transform the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront into a world-class recreation destination.

Master landscape architect James Corner, founder of James Corner Field Operations, draws reference from his famous High Line project in New York to inject the Avenue of Stars with green features and enhanced waterfront accessibility. It also leverages the area’s unique location with the best panoramic views of Victoria Harbour.

With the Avenue now open to the public, both the Avenue and Salisbury Garden will provide a variety of platforms and spaces for varied arts and culture events, including installations, performances, festivals, markets and displays. The Avenue along with Salisbury Garden, K11 Atelier Office, K11 Musea museum-retail mall, K11 Artus luxury residences and Rosewood Hotels & Residences will be integral components of the larger arts and design emphasis of the entire Victoria Dockside, offering public platforms for showcasing culture, heritage, leisure experience and spectacle, offering the best of Hong Kong for a global audience.