The Government announced today (March 19) that the public will be consulted on proposals received for the development of the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD).
"The public consultation will help ensure that the proposal eventually selected for the development of the WKCD will be better received by the public and have greater public ownership," Chief Secretary for the Administration Donald Tsang, who chairs the project's Steering Committee, said.
Since the launch of the Invitation For Proposal to develop the WKCD on September 5, 2003, there has been a lot of interest in the community concerning the development. Various views have been expressed by different groups and particularly, the arts and cultural sector and professional institutes.
At the Legislative Council meeting on November 26, 2003, Mr Tsang announced the Government's decision to defer the deadline for submission of the proposals to June 19, 2004, to allow more time for the proponents to prepare their proposals. At the same time, the Government would make use of the extension to conduct further consultations with the relevant sectors. Extensive consultations have taken place during the past four months.
"The feedback collected so far, including that from the Town Planning Board, has shown that there is a strong opinion that instead of being presented with the selected proposal, the public should be given the opportunity to view the various proposals received, so that they can offer their comments," Mr Tsang said.
"After careful consideration, we agree that, without undermining the integrity of the assessment exercise, there is scope for involving the public further so that their views can also be taken into account in the selection of a preferred proposal," he said.
The Government intends to conduct public consultation by way of an exhibition of the proposals received. All proposals that have satisfied the mandatory requirements will be exhibited. This is likely to take place early next year.
Exhibits prepared by the proponents showing details of the technical aspects of their proposals and the proposed arrangements regarding operation, maintenance and management of the arts and cultural facilities will be displayed. Since commercially sensitive information is involved, only the key elements regarding the financial aspects will be released.
Public forums will also be held during the exhibition period to solicit views from the public on the different proposals. Comments will be collected and compiled, and they will be taken into consideration in the process of negotiation and selection of the preferred proposal.
The Town Planning Board was briefed this morning on the proposed arrangements and welcomed the initiative. The relevant panels of the Legislative Council will also be informed of the arrangements. At the same time, those who have expressed an interest in submitting development proposals will be notified in writing.
Ends/Friday, March 19, 2004
NNNN