Hong Kong Ocean Park Friday announced a 5.5 billion HK dollars master plan for the redevelopment of the park into the world's best marine-based theme park.

The redevelopment is targeted to commence in 2006 and be completed in 2010. The new Ocean Park will be divided into two major areas including The Waterfront and The Summit, which altogether will feature more than 70 distinctive attractions.

Chairman of Ocean Park Allan Zeman said the new park will be developed in phases, allowing for the park to be kept open during the redevelopment period.

The new plan will transform the existing park into a spectacular, marine-based theme park with an amazing 33 new species of animals, connecting people with nature and offering a plethora of breathtaking attractions unparalleled anywhere else in the world, Zeman said.

The whole project is expected to create 37,100 jobs by 2022 and the completed park will contribute 0.5 percent to Hong Kong's overall gross domestic profit by 2010.

Zeman believed the new Ocean Park will not only provide nature, conservation and education, but it will also be a catalyst for the development of the south side of Hong Kong island where the park is located.

Commissioner for Tourism of Hong Kong Eva Cheng said she believed that with all those new ideas as shown in the master plan, the new park will probably become the region's most preferred family visiting point.

(Xinhua News Agency March 19, 2005)