Ocean Park Hong Kong lands HK$2.3bn government support
Ocean Park Hong Kong will likely move ahead with plans to build an all-weather water park at Tai Shue Wan earlier than anticipated, due to a government loan of HK$2.3bn (US$296m, 229m euro, £196m).
Announced in the financial secretary's February budget speech, the purpose of the loan is to spur on the project and stimulate Hong Kong's tourism economy - one of the mainstays of its economy.
The loan is subject to approval by the finance committee of the legislative council, in a decision to be made within the next couple of months.
The park will have a capacity of 15,000 visitors a day and will include a translucent sweeping roof over water rides and attractions, and a retail, dining and entertainment area.
Ocean Park says water attraction, expected to open in the second half of 2017, diversify their offer and as a result encourage longer visitor stays.
The development is expected to create 2,900 jobs and generate HK$842m (US$108m, 84m euro, £72m) in tourism growth by 2018.
Ocean Park, opened in 1977, was last year the winner of the 2012 Applause Award - the first-ever Asian attraction to be recognised as the best theme park in the world.
The attraction has recently appointed Premier Service to provide technical services and support for multiple rides over an extended period.
Wellness real estate market booming – forecast to reach $913bn by 2028, reports GWI
UAE’s first Dior Spa debuts in Dubai at Dorchester Collection’s newest hotel, The Lana
Europe's premier Evian Spa unveiled at Hôtel Royal in France
Clinique La Prairie unveils health resort in China after two-year project
GoCo Health Innovation City in Sweden plans to lead the world in delivering wellness and new science
Four Seasons announces luxury wellness resort and residences at Amaala
Aman sister brand Janu debuts in Tokyo with four-floor urban wellness retreat
€38m geothermal spa and leisure centre to revitalise Croatian city of Bjelovar
Two Santani eco-friendly wellness resorts coming to Oman, partnered with Omran Group
Kerzner shows confidence in its Siro wellness hotel concept, revealing plans to open 100
Ritz-Carlton, Portland unveils skyline spa inspired by unfolding petals of a rose
Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners are just one of the names behind The Emory hotel London and Surrenne private members club
Peninsula Hot Springs unveils AUS$11.7m sister site in Australian outback
IWBI creates WELL for residential programme to inspire healthy living environments
Conrad Orlando unveils water-inspired spa oasis amid billion-dollar Evermore Resort complex
Studio A+ realises striking urban hot springs retreat in China's Shanxi Province
Populous reveals plans for major e-sports arena in Saudi Arabia
Wake The Tiger launches new 1,000sq m expansion
Othership CEO envisions its urban bathhouses in every city in North America
Merlin teams up with Hasbro and Lego to create Peppa Pig experiences
SHA Wellness unveils highly-anticipated Mexico outpost
One&Only One Za’abeel opens in Dubai featuring striking design by Nikken Sekkei
Luxury spa hotel, Calcot Manor, creates new Grain Store health club
'World's largest' indoor ski centre by 10 Design slated to open in 2025
Murrayshall Country Estate awarded planning permission for multi-million-pound spa and leisure centre
Aman's Janu hotel by Pelli Clarke & Partners will have 4,000sq m of wellness space
Therme Group confirms Incheon Golden Harbor location for South Korean wellbeing resort
Universal Studios eyes the UK for first European resort
King of Bhutan unveils masterplan for Mindfulness City, designed by BIG, Arup and Cistri
Rural locations are the next frontier for expansion for the health club sector
Bionic leaves, breathable metals and selfgrowing bricks... Biomimicry in architecture has come a long way. Christopher DeWolf takes a look at the latest advances