The first harbour steps at Victoria Harbour, together with the adjacent new promenade of some 280m, will be opened at the Wan Chai harbourfront on December 24.

It will extend the continuous waterfront promenade length in Hong Kong Island North by 40% to 7.4 km, allowing visitors to walk along the harbourfront area from Shek Tong Tsui to Fortress Hill.

This set of harbour steps is the first fence-free stepped-down water edge design alongside Victoria Harbour as stated in the Policy Address this year.

Located in the Water Sports & Recreation Precinct (Phase 2) to be opened at the same time along the Wan Chai promenade, the harbour steps are fronted by a 2.5-hectare water body separated by a breakwater.

Officiating at the completion ceremony of the harbour steps, Secretary for Development Michael Wong said the Development Bureau has been working closely with the Harbourfront Commission in bringing water-friendly harbourfront designs to the public in a progressive manner.

Noting that the previously opened fence-free breakwater in the East Coast Park Precinct (Phase 1) was well received by the public, Mr Wong added that the opening of the harbour steps will offer visitors a brand new harbourfront experience.

Harbourfront Commission Chairman Vincent Ng said that while the Policy Address anticipated the opening of 15 harbourfront projects to the public by the end of this year, the Water Sports & Recreation Precinct (Phase 2) is the 16th venue opened during this year.

The Government and the commission have outperformed on the pledge and provided more choices to the public along the harbourfront, Mr Ng emphasised.

The precinct will be open round the clock. In addition to lawns, outdoor tables and chairs, sunshades and children's play facilities, it will provide a multifunctional venue for activities as well as an access ramp for boats to go up and down in preparation for future water sport competitions.

The public can also enjoy paddling within Victoria Harbour. Starting today, 20 pedal-driven boats will be available for rent online, with three of them being first of their kind special editions produced under the theme of Chocolate Rain by local artist Prudence Mak.

The paddling campaign will be piloted for six months and further arrangements will be made subject to the response.

To enrich visitors' experiences, Ms Mak has designed a series of art installations and Christmas decorations under the themes of Chocolate Rain and water sports for the venue.

The most eye-catching piece is a 20m-long painting on the harbour steps for visitors to enjoy the artwork from another perspective on the harbour.

The precinct is also a pet-friendly venue where visitors can bring along their pets on leashes.