Ocean Park calls for tender to co-develop venue as part of future strategy

Ocean Park has issued a pre-qualification invitation to solicit potential partners to co-develop the park through a build-operate-transfer model, kicking off the two-phase procurement process for the implementation of the future strategy of Ocean Park.

This process begins with the current pre-qualification stage and will be followed by the tender stage in late 2021 or early 2022. The pre-qualification exercise will help pre-qualify respondents for the tender process, maintaining a manageable number of bidders while ensuring that they share Ocean Park’s vision on future development, conservation and education, as well as having the requisites to deliver the development proposals of the future strategy.

In a statement, Ocean Park said bidders seeking for pre-qualification are encouraged to integrate a number of principles into the zones’ concept design, operations or other offerings. For example, they are encouraged to be environmentally responsible and enhance animal welfare in line with Ocean Park’s objectives; and to accomplish sustainable operational excellence through various initiatives, such as water conservation, waste management and recycling and sustainable procurement processes.

Bidders are also advised to share the same conservation and education values as Ocean Park, focusing on making a positive impact on consumer behavioural changes through educational and experiential learning activities, concept themes and content. Lastly, bidders need to be socially responsible and inclusive, catering to those with special needs.

“The journey of realising our vision for a new Ocean Park has made a big leap with this pre-qualification invitation. We can only achieve Ocean Park’s new vision with the right line-up of partners who share the long-term goal not only for the Park, but also for Hong Kong in general," said Lau Ming-wai, chairman of Ocean Park Corporation.

Ocean Park's new plan to redevelop the venue offers opportunities at three new zones within Ocean Park with site areas totalling approximately 376,000 square metres. These include the new free-entry retail, dining and entertainment zone in the lower park area, the Adventure Zone and Wellness Zone in the upper park areas. Respondents can submit their interest in either a single zone, two zones or all three zones. For the Adventure and Wellness zones, they are also welcomed to express interest in developing and operating selected parts of each zone.

According to Ocean Park, the lower park area will be transformed into a low-rise retail area with differentiated and experiential retail, dining and entertainment offerings, such as open spaces for activities, alfresco dining, indoor entertainment and events, and children’s play areas. It will be open to the public for free, complemented by Ocean Park’s existing conservation and education attractions that will be available on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Meanwhile, located in the upper area of Ocean Park, the Adventure Zone is to be built on the existing Adventure Land area which has a natural downhill slope that is suitable for many adventure-related attractions. Leveraging the topography and landscape, this zone will include outdoor attractions and activities that provide adventure experiences inspired by nature.

The Wellness Zone consists of two sites with the first one being the southern tip of the upper park which is currently occupied by thrill rides. The second one is the adjacent undeveloped area of Ocean Park on the west side of the new Water World. The Wellness Zone will provide authentic and immersive experiences that promote different dimensions of wellness and an avenue to escape from daily urban life.

"Together, we hope to turn Ocean Park into the pearl of the Government’s Invigorating Island South initiative, enhancing visitor experiences from every aspect, while achieving business sustainability," Lau added.

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