Invest Hong Kong is looking for innovative and creative proposals from the private sector on turning Pier 9 and its surroundings into a dynamic tourism and entertainment venue.

Pier 9 will be located on Hong Kong's central waterfront, close to the central business district.

The Government aims to create a world-class facility that will appeal to local residents and visitors. It should add value to the local economy by creating jobs and attracting more tourists to Hong Kong.

The successful proponent will get a 21-year franchise. The facility is to be designed, constructed, operated, managed and maintained as a world-class facility.

Pier 9 is part of the Central Reclamation Phase III project. Its current design calls for it to be about 77 metres long and 18 metres wide, with six public landing steps, three at each berthing side. These will replace the existing landing steps at Queen's Pier.

The pier can be made longer or higher, and there may be a new development immediately to the west of it.

The deadline for submitting proposals is June 6, 2003, at noon, Hong Kong time.

A "Solicitation of Proposals" document and further details can be downloaded from Invest Hong Kong's website, www.InvestHK.gov.hk.