The construction of a 143-hectare Zhuhai Ocean World in Hengqin island, near Macau, was due to begin last December after passed its preliminary environmental impact assessment, according to local papers. Preparation work is under way for detailed environmental studies. The project is expected to be completed in 2012.

A Zhuhai Chime-Long investment company will invest up to US$430 million in the park. The investment company belongs to Chime-Long Group, a theme park conglomerate based in Guangzhou’s Panyu district.

The group runs a water theme park, a night-time zoo, a crocodile park, a wildlife park and several hotels in Guangdong.

The Zhuhai Ocean World will be the largest in Asia and will feature an ocean circus, night safari, convention centre, hotels and residential buildings. It will be developed in several phases on Zhuhai’s Hengqin Island which Beijing has designated as a base for the diversification of Macau’s economy.