Queen’s Pier
Queen’s Pier is one of the oldest piers in Hong Kong, and could be seen as a heritage site. However, the government wants to take it down for reclamation work, as with the Star Ferry Pier.
Queen’s Pier is quite small compared to others, but it is steeped in history. Built in 1957 on reclaimed land, it was built to replace a pier adjacent to the Mandarin Hotel. The structure consists of tiled concrete base and pillars and model after previous piers in the area. Stairs are located on the north side to allow ferry passengers to board and disembark.
It was formerly a ceremonial landing area for the British Royal Family visiting Hong Kong and for the Governor of Hong Kong landing or leaving Hong Kong. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II landed there in 1975, Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales landed there in November 1989. It had a bond with the Hong Kong people too, as many of them had taken this pier many times. They say it is a pity to demolish it as it is very convenient and many famous people had taken foot on it.
Although modernizing Hong Kong is good, the government should also take heed and the heritage that it is demolishing. Soon, Hong Kong might be very advanced, but with its very important historical monuments gone. Therefore, I advice the government to consult the public before any demolishing project, and balancing the history of Hong Kong and the modernization of it.