A long-awaited project to create a Hollywood-style Avenue of Stars has finally taken off in Hong Kong.

A 440 m long walkway featuring some 100 floor plaques will be built at the Waterfront Promenade in Tsim Sha Tsui to showcase Hong Kong's film industry.

Cheung Tung Joe, chairman of the Hong Kong Film Awards Association (HKFAA), says, 'It is a great honour that Hong Kong's film industry receives such a tribute.'

HKFAA is compiling an list through nominations, which are based on three criteria: nominees must be Hong Kong film industry's top players; must have contributed significantly to the development of the industry; and must be esteemed players with a long service history to the industry.

The association's 10 members will then hold a ballot to vote for the final list. The members are Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild, Motion Picture Industry Association, Society of Cinematographers (HK), Society of Film Editors (HK), Hong Kong Performing Artistes Guild, City Entertainment, Hong Kong Stuntman Association, Hong Kong Film Arts Association, Hong Kong Screenwriters' Guild and Hong Kong Theatres Association.

While the majority of the nominees will be actors, Cheung says that others involved in film production such as producers, directors, art directors, photographers and choreographers will also be considered. The selection is not limited to Hong Kong-born professionals but also to those who have made Hong Kong their home.

The $5.1m (HK$40m) Avenue of Stars is solely financed by the New World Group and is part of the Hong Kong Tourism Board's efforts to create more tourist attractions in Hong Kong. Construction will start in June with the first phase due for completion in the second quarter of 2004.