Hong Kong Eye proposed
The Eye would provide a grandstand view of Hong Kong's nightly Symphony of Lights.A proposal to build a "Hong Kong Eye" will be submitted today to the Harbourfront Commission by The Hall Organization and Great City Attractions Global, the people behind the Singapore Flyer.
Great City is hoping that Hong Kong will follow in Singapore's footsteps and set up a 60-meter-high observation wheel on reclaimed land near the Star Ferry pier in Central.
"The wheel will definitely become a focal point of the harbor, offering postcard photo opportunities," the prospective operators claim.
"It will attract people to the harborfront and can promote vibrancy both day and night."
Isn't Hong Kong's skyline doing that all on its own already?
Commission members are divided over the proposal. Peter Wong Yiu-sun, an engineer, told the South China Morning Post that he likes the idea and that he does not think the Eye would be dangerous in typhoons.
Another commission member, Paul Zimmerman, felt that although the Eye would be iconic it "is a bit 'me-too'" after London and Singapore got their wheels.
Central's harborfront is due for a tourism-geared revamp. Still in the planning stages, the redevelopment would add promenades, cafés, a maritime museum -- and possibly the Hong Kong Eye.
What do you think of the "Hong Kong Eye" proposal? Let us know what you would like to see on Hong Kong's harborfront in the comments box below.
