'Jumbo More Than Just A Seafood Restaurant'

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau said letting the cash-strapped Ocean Park manage the Jumbo Floating Restaurant could turn “a crisis into an opportunity” and suggested that the restaurant, which closed down amid the pandemic, could be used for other purposes.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam revealed in her Policy Address on Wednesday that the iconic restaurant in Aberdeen had recently been donated to Ocean Park, which is set to run it with non-governmental organisations as part of a wider plan to revitalise the Southern District.

Critics have denounced the plan, saying it is ironic that the conservation-focused Ocean Park is to manage a restaurant known for its seafood dishes.

Speaking at a news briefing on Friday, Yau said there would be more to Jumbo than just seafood. He said authorities would discuss with Ocean Park on how the venue could be put to better use in the development of the Southern District.

“Interesting for people to associate Jumbo Floating Restaurant with just seafood… I believe that the revitalisation of Jumbo Floating Restaurant does not necessarily put it as a restaurant per se,” he said.

“Actually the floating boat has been quite well-maintained and has its own character. It’s well-preserved and also has sufficient space for a lot of activities. It doesn’t just confine to just restaurants.

“We are not just talking about helping a theme park stand back on its own feet. We’re making a crisis into an opportunity whereby Ocean Park and other attractions in the vicinity would provide a new impetus for new enjoyment.”

He said the theme park would invite tenders for the operation of the Jumbo Floating Restaurant.