Hong Kong will have a fisherman's wharf by 2012 as one of the highlights of a redeveloped Aberdeen traditional fishing harbor, according to the Tourism Commission.

But district councillors are concerned a lack of railway services may be a problem for the growing number of visitors to the area.

The commission said Sunday the waterfront at both Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau will be redeveloped with a fisherman's wharf as the main theme. Work on the project will start in 2009 and is due to be completed by 2012.

Thematic architecture, with Chinese and Western seafood restaurants, retail shops and open space for alfresco dining will spread along the waterfront to blend tourism with the area's present culture.

The harborfront will also be a focal point for various festive and cultural activities, and vantage points for viewing annual Dragon Boat Festival races.

Traditional sampans will be used as transport to connect both sides of the harbor with Ocean Park .

Other facilities such as a dragon boat gallery, a floating maritime exhibition facility, heritage walks and signs will be developed to highlight past and present traditions.

The government will call for public tenders to design, build and operate the facilities.

However, the government has ruled out the need to expand the area's transport system, saying a study has shown that most tourists visit the area during off-peak hours. The harbor development concept, which was presented to the Southern District Counc il last week, has received support from councillors, with reservations.

"The project will help boost tourism in the district, but inadequate transport links are the main concern," councillor Law Kam-hung said.

The Aberdeen tunnel - the district's main link with the city - is already over-crowded during rush hours and cannot cope with the growing number of visitors to Aberdeen , he said.

The government should consider extending Mass Transit Railway services to the area and include it as part of the tourism development plan, Law said.

He welcomed the idea of inviting private developers to design and operate the facilities, but said he was worried about a possible clash of private property rights in the area to be developed.

Ap Lei Chau's main street, which is aligned with privately owned shops, is where the government should resolve the issue of property rights before proceeding with the redevelopment.

According to Law, hotel accommodation in the area is not a problem despite the surge in the number of tourists. He said more than 10 industrial buildings in the Wong Chuk Hang industrial area have been rezoned for hotel development.

Another councillor, Shek Kwok- keung, said he hopes the proposed redevelopment will help Aberdeen regain its attraction. "More than 10 years ago, people came to Aberdeen for seafood, but now all the seafood restaurants along the waterfront have disappeared, with only some Chinese eateries left.

" Aberdeen 's tourism development is 15 years behind that of other districts," he said.