The department made significant progress in the provision of new facilities and implementation of new projects in 2003.

Facilities under Construction

At year's end, construction of 23 capital works projects was in progress, including five major facilities — the Tai Po Complex, the Indoor Recreation Centre and Library in Area 100 Ma On Shan, the Tai Kok Tsui Complex (Phase 2), the Stanley Complex, and the Hammer Hill Road Park in Diamond Hill. A list of these projects is included in Appendix 5.

Artist's impression of the Hammer Hill Road Park.

The construction of the Hammer Hill Road Park has commenced.

New Facilities Completed

The Jordan Valley Playground, Phase II, Stage 2 and the Local Open Space in Area 44 at Tuen Mun were the two facilities completed in 2003. A list of the completed projects is in Appendix 6.

Minor Works Projects

Some 10 minor works projects, each costing $15 million or less, were completed during the year, while 10 more were under construction.

Avenue of Stars

The Avenue of Stars project, initiated by the Hong Kong Tourism Board in conjunction with the Hong Kong Film Awards' Association, and supported by the Tourism Commission and the department, offers an excellent opportunity to create a new tourist attraction for overseas visitors; provide an opportunity for movie fans to admire their idols; and honour those who have contributed to the Hong Kong film industry as well as to the industry globally.

Hong Kong film professionals and representatives from various government departments and organisations at the 'Hand Imprint Ceremony' of the Avenue of Stars.

Landmark paving with plaques or icons will be installed along a section of the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. Other features such as sculptures, kiosks, rest areas and interactive elements will be included to create a special ambience along the Avenue of Stars.

The Hong Kong Film Awards' Association Limited has been giving its full support to the project and acting as an honorary consultant. Its 10 affiliated associations have selected, by popular vote, film professionals whose contribution and outstanding work have made history in Hong Kong. Their names and hand imprints will be pressed into the Avenue.

The estimated construction cost for the project is $40 million. New World Development Company Limited has agreed to donate the project in kind and to take up the management and maintenance responsibilities for a period of 20 years on completion of the project and for a nominal charge of $1.

Construction of the Avenue of Stars began in June and will be completed by the end of March 2004.