Macau authorities have unveiled plans to breathe new life into piers 23 to 25 in the inner port area and enhance the appeal of Mount Fortress and its surroundings, in collaboration with Melco Resorts & Entertainment (Macau).
Restoration works on the Inner Harbor area facilities will be carried out under the direction of the government to keep its unique architectural features intact.
The project budget amounts to MOP 12 million (USD 1.5 million), and work is expected to be completed in the third quarter of next year, said Leong Wai Man, director of the Cultural Affairs Office (IC). during a press conference held on Thursday.
Melco will focus on infusing the area with a unique mix of cultural, artistic, culinary, boutique, recreational and nautical elements.
The casino operator’s plans include the introduction of fairs, souvenir shops, a tourist information center, bookstores, an open-air seaside tea shop and cafe, a panoramic rooftop terrace and photo-worthy spots.
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Regarding the optimization of the Mount Fortress area, the initial phase will include performances and a food festival during the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival.
The project is part of six ongoing partnerships between the Government and gaming operators to gentrify six older neighborhoods.
The other five planned areas are the Barra neighborhood, Rua da Felicidade, the district between Almeida Ribeiro and Rua de Cinco de Outubro, the Iec Long firecracker factory and the Lai Chi Vun shipyards.
Melco will focus on infusing the area with a unique mix of cultural, artistic, culinary, boutique, recreational and nautical elements
The pilot plan to renew and pedestrianize Rua da Felicidade and its adjacent alleys will be launched during the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival.
Starting September 29, these streets will be exclusively pedestrian, free of road traffic, between 11:00 and 1:00 in the morning.
The plan also aims to revitalize the streets near Almeida Ribeiro Avenue, colloquially known as “San Ma Lo”, which currently house traditional restaurants.
Authorities have already begun beautifying the area, including widening streets, improving lighting, as well as cleaning and sanitation.
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Wynn Macau is behind this project and will organize performances, host art installations and set up makeshift dining establishments in the area.
Another renovation project in the Barra district is supported by MGM China Holdings, with the main objective of transforming the area into a recreational and cultural area.
The pilot plan to renew and pedestrianize Rua da Felicidade and its adjacent alleys will be launched during the next Mid-Autumn Festival
With an approximate area of 35,000 square meters, the project focuses on the conservation and restoration of some 13 degraded buildings in the area.
These structures will serve as a backdrop for a series of creative art shops, art exhibitions, dining options, and art performances and installations.
Community tourism is one of the Government’s main priorities under the contracts signed with gaming concessionaires in 2022.
These operators are required to support initiatives aimed at revitalizing the economies of these districts.
Article republished within the framework of an agreement with Macau Business to share content. Link to original article: https://www.macaubusiness.com/govt-to-work-with-melco-on-inner-harbour-restoration-project/
Source: https://reporteasia.com/negocios/infraestructura/2023/09/24/gobierno-macao-colaborara-melco-puerto/
