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RECREATION, SPORT AND THE ARTS

West Kowloon Cultural District

A waterfront site of about 40 hectares at the southern tip of the West Kowloon Reclamation has been earmarked for development by the private sector into a world- class integrated arts, cultural, entertainment and commercial district to enhance Hong Kong's position as a centre of arts, culture and entertainment in Asia. Following announcement of the results of an Open International Concept Plan Competition for the development in February 2002, the Government had decided to adopt the concept plan of the first prize-winner as the basis for the master plan of the development, to become the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD).

The identifying features include an open-sided Canopy partially cladded with various types of solid or transparent panels, which unifies the many different land uses within the development and creates a comfortable environment for outdoor performances and leisure activities. It will be a fully integrated development which will include major arts and cultural facilities in a 'Cultural Headland' to the west, shopping and entertainment facilities in a central 'Retail and Entertainment Spine' and high-rise office and hotel buildings in the 'Commercial Gateway' to the

east.

The Chief Secretary for Administration announced an Invitation For Proposal (IFP) on September 5, 2003, to invite the private sector to submit proposals for the WKCD development, to be submitted by June 19, 2004. Construction is anticipated to commence by 2007 and the core arts and cultural facilities will come into operation in phases starting from 2011.

Indoor Stadia

The Hong Kong Coliseum and the Queen Elizabeth Stadium are two of the largest multi-purpose indoor stadia in Hong Kong. The 12 500-seat coliseum is a leading venue for pop concerts, musicals, entertainment spectaculars, international sporting events, cultural programmes, large-scale celebrations and conventions. The 3 600- seat stadium is suitable for holding sports events, cultural and entertainment performances, school ceremonies, conferences and variety shows.

In 2003, 392 performances were staged in the two indoor stadia, attracting around 1 732 400 people.

URBTIX

Computerised Ticketing System

URBTIX, launched in 1984, has become the most popular ticketing system through which members of the public may purchase tickets at any of the 31 outlets as well as through its telephone reservation and Internet ticketing services. In 2003, some 3.5 million tickets for over 6 384 performances were sold, with a total sales value of $467 million.

The LCSD is proceeding to outsource the back-end ticketing system, i.e. hardware and software with enhanced features, to the private sector for development of an advanced ticketing system targeted to be completed in 2005. The department will maintain the operation of ticket outlets and services for venue hirers.