Hong Kong government in talks to double the size of Disneyland
by Tom Anstey | 03 Mar 2015
The Hong Kong government owns 52 per cent of the theme park – the remainder is owned by Disney / Disney
The Hong Kong government is planning to hold talks with Disney on further expanding Hong Kong Disneyland in a bid to boost tourism in the area and propel economic growth.
In his budget speech, Hong Kong’s financial secretary, John Tsang, said the government would discuss with Disney the Phase 2 development of the Hong Kong Disneyland. This phase will cover an estimated 60 hectares (148 acres), similar to that of the first phase development, with attractions, hotel development and retail facilities.
The Hong Kong government owns 52 per cent of the theme park – the remainder owned by Disney – which opened in 2005 and has since been a key part of the sovereign state’s tourism offerings. Since its launch, the park has welcomed more than 50 million guests.
According to statistics from the Hong Kong Tourism Board, visitors to Hong Kong exceeded 60 million in 2014, representing an increase of 12 per cent over 2013. Total visitor spending rose 9 per cent to more than HKD350bn (US$45.1bn, €40.3bn, £29.4bn).
Along with the proposed Disneyland expansion, already underway at the park is the development of a new Iron Man-themed zone, estimated to open in 2016.
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The Hong Kong government is planning to hold talks with Disney on further expanding Hong Kong Disneyland in a bid to boost tourism in the area and propel economic growth. In his budget speech, Hong Kong’s financial secretary, John Tsang, said the government would discuss with Disney the Phase 2 development of the Hong Kong Disneyland. This phase will cover an estimated 60 hectares (148 acres), similar to that of
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Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
by Liz Terry | 22 May 2026
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
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MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
by Helen Andrews | 21 May 2026
Hotel owner-operator MCR Hotels is inviting the public to provide feedback on development plans for London’s iconic BT Tower as a luxury hotel and mixed use project. Public access to the tower – for the first time in 50 years – will also be part of the scheme. In February 2024, British telecommunications company BT Group sold the BT Tower for £275 million (US$347 million, €321.3 million) to MCR Hotels.
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by Liz Terry | 13 May 2026
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Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
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by Magali Robathan | 18 Apr 2026
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by Helen Andrews | 20 Apr 2026
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by Magali Robathan | 16 Apr 2026
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by Helen Andrews | 14 Apr 2026
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by Helen Andrews | 13 Apr 2026
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by Helen Andrews | 27 Mar 2026
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by Helen Andrews | 05 Mar 2026
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4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
by Helen Andrews | 04 Mar 2026
Design firm 4a Architekten has shared details of the recently-completed extension to the wellness facilities at destination spa park Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa in Germany. The upgrades to the leisure pool facility, which has been in operation since 1984, included the addition of a thermal spa and sauna in a new building that integrated sensitively into the landscape. Commissioned by the facility’s operator, utility company Stadtwerke Bad Dürkheim, the
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by Helen Andrews | 04 Mar 2026
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Floating wellbeing destination planned for London’s Royal Docks
by Helen Andrews | 03 Mar 2026
A new floating wellbeing destination with a public park, residential and wellness facility is planned for a 12-hectare stretch of water within London’s Royal Docks, in the UK. The development is part of a wider regeneration of the Royal Docks to create a diverse waterfront, backed by £5 billion (US$6.35 billion, €5.85 billion) of investment over the next 20 years. The aim is to make the area a mixed-use development
Aman Group to open second Janu in Dubai with inaugural Janu Club
by Helen Andrews | 03 Mar 2026
Janu, a brand by the Aman Group, will open its second location in 2027, in Dubai, UAE – with a wellness and fitness space measuring 1,700sq m and a separate inaugural private members’ Janu Club. Developed by Dubai-based developer H&H, the 150-key hotel and 57 private residences will be located in a mixed-use development that measures 1.3 million sq ft in the heart of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
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"Culture is the beating heart of this project"
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
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