Work is set to begin this year on the HK$5.5bn (£400m, US$710m, E590m) redevelopment of Hong Kong’s Ocean Park.

The scheme is designed to turn the 28-year old park into the world’s leading marine-based theme park and will double the number of existing attractions.

The new Ocean Park will be split into two distinct areas, The Waterfront (formerly the Lowland) and The Summit (formerly the Headland).

The Hong Kong government is providing funding of HK$2.775bn (£202m, US$360m, E296m), through loans and the guaranteeing of a commercial loan to be taken out by Ocean Park.

“We are grateful to the government for its decision to financially support our redevelopment masterplan,” said Dr Allan Zeman, chairman, Ocean Park Corporation.

“This support signifies the government’s endorsement of Ocean Park as not only playing a key role in public education and conservation but also being a catalyst for increasing tourism, stimulating economic growth and facilitating the urban regeneration of the Southern District.”

“Our project management team will start implementing the plan and firming up the details of the Park’s design.

“We will focus on the differential values that represent Ocean Park and pursue our vision of connecting people with nature. Ocean Park will continue to promote public awareness of conservation through education and interaction with animals and nature.”

The work is expected to take up to six years and the park will remain open throughout.