Star Ferry Pier, Central
| Company type | Public ferry terminal |
|---|---|
| Industry | Transportation |
| Founded | 1890 |
| Headquarters | Central, Hong Kong , Hong Kong |
Area served | Victoria Harbour crossings to Tsim Sha Tsui and formerly Hung Hom |
| Products | Ferry transport services |
Star Ferry Pier, Central () denotes a series of successive Central Ferry Piers located in Central, Hong Kong, utilized by the Star Ferry for crossings over Victoria Harbour to Tsim Sha Tsui and, until April 2011, to Hung Hom. The current structure, representing the fourth iteration, commenced operations on 12 November 2006.
First generation
The initial pier (1890) was positioned at the intersection of Pedder Street and Chater Road, consisting of a modest wooden shelter. Starting in 1900, Star Ferry leased a temporary pier situated off Ice House Street opposite the Queen's Building. This arrangement was superseded in 1912 by the establishment of the Second Generation pier at the identical site.
Second generation
Constructed in 1910, the Second Generation pier stood opposite the terminus of Ice House Street, occupying what is now the location of Jardine House.
Third generation
The Third Generation pier (1957), located near Edinburgh Place, ceased operations on 11 November 2006. Erected following extensive land reclamation in Central, it showcased Streamline Moderne architectural style consistent with the Modern Movement of that era. This pier complemented the still existing Star Ferry Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui on Kowloon’s side.
Local architect Hung Yip Chan designed the facade during his period at the Hong Kong Government Architectural Office (1952–1957), while Chief Architect Michael Wright contributed by adding a functional and visually balanced Clock Tower to the structure.
Fourth generation
The Fourth Generation facility (2006), referred to as "Central Ferry Piers 7 and 8," is located on Man Kwong Street and replaced the Edinburgh Place Ferry Pier on Hong Kong Island’s Central district as part of the Central and Wan Chai Reclamation initiatives. Its design draws inspiration from the second generation Edwardian pier.
Set approximately 300 metres further into Victoria Harbour on reclaimed land, this new pier lies directly north of its predecessor. Its construction coincided with reclamation works for the Airport Express MTR line’s Hong Kong station and the International Finance Centre. It is designated as Pier No.7 among outlying islands ferry piers.
In February 2013, Pier 8 was repurposed into the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, leaving Pier 7 as the exclusive terminal for Star Ferry services in Central.
Design
Positioned on highly valuable waterfront property, government plans aimed to develop these piers as prominent public landmarks. The Star Ferry advocated for a heritage-inspired design that extended the pier eastward to mirror the Edwardian style of its second generation predecessor.
Covering an area of 600 square metres, the terminal includes a clock tower fitted with five electronically operated bells reminiscent of those from the former Edinburgh Place Ferry Pier. Notable design elements feature an open-air concept complemented by skylights that provide natural illumination.
The two "finger piers" incorporate boarding and waiting areas on their ground levels, while upper floors accommodate a public viewing deck alongside a canteen-style restaurant and café. The Star Ferry Company has submitted an application to establish a bar on the topmost floor.
Access to the public viewing corridor is gained through a passage inside the Waterfront restaurant, followed by a right turn.
Design debate
The Government's Edwardian-inspired architectural approach attracted public disapproval due to its choice of materials and overall implementation, often criticized as "a pastiche lacking the essence" of either historical period. Many have likened the building more to a "theme park attraction" than a practical transportation facility.