The newly revitalised Avenue of Stars (the Avenue), opened to the public on 31 January, 2019 – the first waterfront rejuvenation project in Hong Kong developed by New World Development and designed by internationally acclaimed landscape architect James Corner Field Operations (JCFO).
The launch of Victoria Dockside (VD) transforms the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront into a world-class showcase of urban planning, setting new standards for the city’s waterfront rejuvenation efforts. Adrian Cheng,Executive Vice-chairman and General Manager of New World Development initiated the “Make Waves” movement and incorporated in every part of the VD. Adrian workedclosely with James Corner to transform the world-famous yet tired TST waterfront area into a 21st century destination for recreation.
Mr. James Corner, Founding Partner and CEO of JCFO said: “It was Adrian Cheng’s idea and priority to completely renovate and update the Tsim Tsa Tsui waterfront for the 21st century, to transform the waterfront to become an icon for Hong Kong and be one of the most visited waterfronts in the world.”
“I myself have enjoyed a very positive and creative relationship with Adrian. He brings a good deal of vision, aspiration, imagination and leadership to the table, setting this new waterfront to be a special mix of dynamic public features with arts, culture, varied social amenities and the Harbourfront itself, which was Adrian’s original vision – a global landmark.”
JCFO’s design maximises the potential of the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront as a place where visitors can enjoy magnificent views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline, while respecting the heritage of the site and paying tribute to the Hong Kong film industry.
It also presents a holistic solution that responds sensitively to the needs of the community and overcomes the many challenges posed by the waterfront site including the increasingly extreme weather conditions the site is exposed to during the annual typhoon season. One of the most visited tourist destinations in Hong Kong, the Avenue hosts exhibits of the most famous figures in the local film industry. 
However, despite its popular appeal, the Avenue was often stiflingly hot and overcrowded. It also lacked basic amenities like seating, shade and greenery. The edge along the harbour was largely inaccessible. It also lacked the kind of clean, contemporary design that a world-class waterfront deserves. Accordingly, JCFO proposed a complete redesign of the Avenue with new paving, custom furniture, extensive planting, generous shade and seating, and an accessible, undulating, sculptured edge.
It’s Hong Kong, It’s retail
To support homegrown creative enterprises, the kiosk and mobile carts features local brands including the Mei Lok Store, Ho Cha, POS Talk, Tiny and others. Exclusive limited-edition Avenue products and Bruce Lee souvenirs are also be available for visitors.
Designed by LAAB Architects exclusively for the Avenue, the Harbour Kiosk is a unique piece of robotic architecture that integrates a food kiosk and a mechanical room. The Kiosk reinterprets the architecture of local market stalls. Combining the food kiosk with an E&M machine room nearby maximises public functions and blends in by borrowing the architectural language of several surrounding pieces.
There are seven Mobile Carts near the Avenue. Just like the Harbour Kiosk, these Mobile Carts open during the day and close at night. Their overhead solar panels turn sunlight into electricity to support their activities. Mobile Carts have a wavy surface made of pleated metal sheets. One side of the metal sheet is painted in wood colours, while the other side maintains the mirror surface that reflects the colours of the harbour. If you walk from one end to the other, you can see the transforming colours of the wavy surface, just like a movie animation.
