Queen's Pier, named after Queen Victoria, was a public ceremonial pier in front of City Hall in Edinburgh Place, Central, Hong Kong. Its two generations have served as a ceremonial pier as well as a public pier, and have witnessed the official arrival in Hong Kong of all of Hong Kong's governors since 1925; Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II landed there in 1975, Charles and Diana in 1989.
The pier, built along the newly reclaimed waterfront, was designed in a modern utilitarian style, and was opened by Maurine Grantham, wife of Governor Alexander Grantham in June 1954.
On 26 April 2007, the pier was officially closed by the government in order to facilitate land reclamation, soon after the adjacent Star Ferry pier was closed. There was fierce opposition by conservationists, who carried over their campaign to preserve the landmark. Police officers evicted some 30 protesters from the site on 1 August 2007; activists filed for a judicial review, and the High Court hearing began on 7 August. On 10 August, the court dismissed the request.
Finally, the Queen's Pier was completely demolished in February 2008. Its base piles were also removed in March 2008. In 2008, since dismantling, the government attempts to create the appearance of public support for reassembling the pier at the new waterfront has been criticised by conservationists.
Piers
Links: en.wikipedia.org
By: kjfitz
