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# HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
## ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN
### HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
bad to worse in the past three years. This is mainly due to the inexpediency in its design and other circumstantial factors. In this connection, I would like to ask the
CHAIRMAN (in English):- Ladies and Gentlemen, the meeting is called to order. following questions:
## MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 9 October 1990, were confirmed.
## PAPER
The following paper was laid on the table:-
(1) Report to the Urban Council by the Director of Urban Services and Secretary, Urban Council, for the month of October 1990.
## QUESTIONS
1. MR. B. A. BERNACCHI asked the following question (in English):—Many people in Chai Wan would like a bicycle track right around Chai Wan Park as a form of active user of the Park facilities. What are the chances of getting such a track?
MR. PETER C. K. CHAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in English):-Mr. Chairman, the question concerns the chances of incorporating a bicycle track into the new Chai Wan Park.
Members will recall that the Standing Committee of the Whole Council approved the existing layout plan for the Chai Wan Park in November 1988. This included a number of facilities for active recreation but not a bicycle track. Construction work commenced in May this year and is now well advanced. We expect the park to be ready in mid-1992. It is therefore too late to change the plans in order to incorporate a bicycle track. To do so would be disruptive and costly, and would delay completion.
However, we are aware of the need for cycling facilities in the Chai Wan area and are drawing up proposals for a cycling ground at the junction of Yee Shing Lane and Yee Shing Street, adjoining the new park. This will include a formal cycling track and separate practice areas for beginners and BMX enthusiasts.
The Department is working on the layout plan and will submit it for Members' consideration in a few months' time.
2. MR. DAVID FONG PUI-SHEUNG asked the following question (in Cantonese):---The hiring rate of Ko Shan Theatre in Hung Hom has all along been unsatisfactory since its opening in 1983. The situation has even gone from
(1) Has the Council ever considered immediate alterations to or partial redevelopment of the Ko Shan Theatre so as to effect thorough remedy for such existing shortcomings such as internal stuffiness and exposure to sunshine, rain and cold wind etc.?
(2) Has the Council any positive measure to strengthen the competitiveness of Ko Shan Theatre on a par with that of other civic centres so as to maintain its role in the promotion of cultural activities?
(3) Has the Council attempted to modify the form of its operation with a view to increasing its hiring and usage rates?
MR. LO KING-MAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE CULTURE SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in Cantonese):- Mr. Chairman, this question concerns the Council's Ko Shan Theatre and is in three parts.
Before responding to the more specific parts of the question, I would like to say a few words to clarify the position regarding the Ko Shan Theatre.
The Ko Shan Theatre was, in fact, originally designed as an open air theatre to offer a unique performing venue for the public. However, in order to provide some protection from inclement weather, a roof was later included during the construction period to provide cover for 1000 of the 3000 seats. Whilst the provision of the roof has afforded some protection from the rain and sun, it has not been able to overcome the weaknesses inherent in an open air theatre in Hong Kong's climatic condition. That is to say, its usage is dependent on the weather like all open air theatres.
In 1986, a comprehensive review was conducted on the theatre. The review identified a number of physical limitations, including those noted by Mr. FONG in the first part of his question, but concluded that it would not be cost-effective to make structural changes even if it should prove technically feasible to do so. Accordingly, it was decided that it would be more productive to maximize usage of the theatre within the known constraints and that efforts be made to market the various facilities.
As regards the second and third parts of the question, the theatre is suitable for mass entertainment such as the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Spring Lantern Carnival and for light music, pop concerts and Cantonese Opera, and therefore, is now one of the main venues for these events. Last year a total of 84 such events were held at the theatre attracting over 60,000 people.
Bearing in mind Council's aim to offer the theatre to local residents at affordable hiring charges and convenient hiring schedules, a number of marketing strategies have been adopted to achieve this aim. These include the introduction of a half-price rate on basic rental during the summer months of June, July and August, the offer of rental subsidy to non-profit making
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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
bad to worse in the past three years. This is mainly due to the inexpediency in its design and other circumstantial factors. In this connection, I would like to ask the
CHAIRMAN (in English):- Ladies and Gentlemen, the meeting is called to order. following questions:
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 9 October 1990, were confirmed.
PAPER
The following paper was laid on the table:-
(1) Report to the Urban Council by the Director of Urban Services and
Secretary, Urban Council, for the month of October 1990.
QUESTIONS
1. MR. B. A. BERNACCHI asked the following question (in English):—Many people in Chai Wan would like a bicycle track right around Chai Wan Park as a form of active user of the Park facilities. What are the chances of getting such a track?
MR. PETER C. K. CHAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in English):-Mr. Chairman, the question concerns the chances of incorporating a bicycle track into the new Chai Wan Park.
Members will recall that the Standing Committee of the Whole Council approved the existing layout plan for the Chai Wan Park in November 1988. This included a number of facilities for active recreation but not a bicycle track. Construction work commenced in May this year and is now well advanced. We expect the park to be ready in mid-1992. It is therefore too late to change the plans in order to incorporate a bicycle track. To do so would be disruptive and costly, and would delay completion.
However, we are aware of the need for cycling facilities in the Chai Wan area and are drawing up proposals for a cycling ground at the junction of Yee Shing Lane and Yee Shing Street, adjoining the new park. This will include a formal cycling track and separate practice areas for beginners and BMX enthusiasts.
The Department is working on the layout plan and will submit it for Members' consideration in a few months' time.
2. MR. DAVID FONG PUI-SHEUNG asked the following question (in Cantonese):---The hiring rate of Ko Shan Theatre in Hung Hom has all along been unsatisfactory since its opening in 1983. The situation has even gone from
(1) Has the Council ever considered immediate alterations to or partial redevelopment of the Ko Shan Theatre so as to effect thorough remedy for such existing shortcomings such as internal stuffiness and exposure to sunshine, rain and cold wind etc.?
(2) Has the Council any positive measure to strengthen the competitiveness of Ko Shan Theatre on a par with that of other civic centres so as to maintain its role in the promotion of cultural activities?
(3) Has the Council attempted to modify the form of its operation with a view to
increasing its hiring and usage rates?
MR. LO KING-MAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE CULTURE SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in Cantonese):- Mr. Chairman, this question concerns the Council's Ko Shan Theatre and is in three parts.
Before responding to the more specific parts of the question, I would like to say a few words to clarify the position regarding the Ko Shan Theatre.
The Ko Shan Theatre was, in fact, originally designed as an open air theatre to offer a unique performing venue for the public. However, in order to provide some protection from inclement weather, a roof was later included during the construction period to provide cover for 1000 of the 3 000 seats. Whilst the provision of the roof has afforded some protection from the rain and sun, it has not been able to overcome the weaknesses inherent in an open air theatre in Hong Kong's climatic condition. That is to say, its usage is dependent on the weather like all open air theatres.
In 1986, a comprehensive review was conducted on the theatre. The review identified a number of physical limitations, including those noted by Mr. FONG in the first part of his question, but concluded that it would not be cost-effective to make structural changes even if it should prove technically feasible to do so. Accordingly, it was decided that it would be more productive to maximize usage of the theatre within the known constraints and that efforts be made to market the various facilities.
As regards the second and third parts of the question, the theatre is suitable for mass entertainment such as the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Spring Lantern Carnival and for light music, pop concerts and Cantonese Opera, and therefore, is now one of the main venues for these events. Last year a total of 84 such events were held at the theatre attracting over 60 000 people.
Bearing in mind Council's aim to offer the theatre to local residents at affordable hiring charges and convenient hiring schedules, a number of marketing strategies have been adopted to achieve this aim. These include the introduction of a half-price rate on basic rental during the summer months of June, July and August, the offer of rental subsidy to non-profit making
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