Southside gets artsy
local
‘Invigorating Island South’ is set to transform the neighbourhood into an arts and tourism destination. By Charmaine Ng
Over the past few years, Southside has slowly gained a reputation as one of Hong Kong’s most captivating creative districts. Filled with art galleries, trendy eateries and boutique hotels, Wong Chuk Hang, for example, has become a destination for art lovers from all over the city. Years on, it seems the government has finally caught on to the merits of the up-andcoming district. During her annual address at the Legislative Council in late November, chief executive Carrie Lam announced that the Southern District will be ‘invigorated’ into an arts hub and tourist spot. Led by the government, the new project is named ‘Invigorating Island South’ and includes
the reopening of Ocean Park; the revitalisation of Jumbo Floating Restaurant; the construction of a new water sports facility at the Shek O and perhaps most excitingly – for us at Hong Kong Living, at least – the launch of a new water theme park. For Ocean Park, the government looks to enhance its educational and conservation investments. With an aim to develop marine tourism and provide easy commuting, a water taxi shuttle service between Aberdeen, Repulse Bay and Shek O will also be launched. Meanwhile, the 40-year-old Jumbo Floating Restaurant will be donated to Ocean Park at no cost. While it is not clear what is in store for the iconic restaurant yet, we’ve heard that it will be
run by an NGO on a self-financing basis. Last, but definitely not least, Wong Chuk Hang and Aberdeen will continue to transform into an arts and culture hub. The government has proposed to lend a hand in its development, fast-tracking the repurposing and redevelopment of old industrial buildings in the two neighbourhoods. The new spaces will serve as studios for emerging artists and creative businesses. 2020 has been tumultuous for all of us Southsiders – first the closing of Ocean Park, then the shuttering of Jumbo Floating Restaurant. But the new year has brought about new hope and it seems that the future for the Southern District still shines as bright as ever.
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