By LIANG TAO, CRI Correspondent

Hong Kong Planning Department says a study will be launched to see how to incorporate the special features of the old Star Ferry pier and clock tower into the design of the new Central harbourfront.

The tender exercise for the study will be completed early next year.

During the study process, public engagement activities will be held to gauge views from the Town Planning Board, Harbour-front Enhancement Committee, lawmakers and district councilors, related organizations and the public on the urban design of the Central harbourfront.

Detailed features of the old Star Ferry pier and clock tower have been recorded and stored as 3D images through an advanced laser-scanning technology.

Meanwhile, the Antiquities Advisory Board confirmed members did not raise any objection to the demolition of the old Star Ferry pier and clock tower as well as the re-provisioning proposal in a meeting in March 2002.

The board had asked the Government to preserve the significant relics of the clock tower and the Queen's Pier and consider reconstructing them in the new harbourfront.