In response to growing concerns over the shortage of major cultural and sports facilities in Hong Kong, Legislative Council member Hon Kenneth Fok raised a question today (Jan. 21) regarding the government's plans to increase venue supply and support the development of the cultural and sports sectors.
According to recent data, Hong Kong hosted over 210 mega events in 2024, along with more than 285 large-scale pop concerts between 2024 and the first half of 2025. These events attracted over 3.9 million spectators, including 1.4 million tourists, generating approximately HK$3.4 billion in local spending and contributing HK$1.9 billion in added value to the economy. However, with utilization rates at existing major venues consistently exceeding 90%, industry representatives have warned that the shortage is limiting flexibility in staging large-scale events.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law outlined several key initiatives to address the supply gap:
1. The government is advancing multiple projects, including the West Kowloon Performing Arts Centre (scheduled for completion in 2026), the Hong Kong Conservation Repository in Tin Shui Wai (expected to open in 2028), and the New Territories East Cultural Centre in Fanling (planned for 2030). A large-scale cultural complex in San Tin Technopole is also under exploration.
2. A reformed booking policy has been implemented to reposition public performance venues. The Hong Kong Coliseum will now prioritize concerts, the East Kowloon Cultural Centre will focus on long-running performances and arts technology, and the Sha Tin Town Hall Auditorium will give priority to Cantonese opera.
3. The government is simplifying procedures to allow alternative venues, such as cinemas, to host live performances. A standard application form is being developed to streamline approvals. Additionally, the Development Bureau is reviewing the Revitalisation Scheme for Industrial Buildings to explore ways to support small-scale cultural performances in such spaces.
4. Following Hong Kong's successful co-hosting of the 15th National Games and related events, the government plans to strengthen collaboration with Guangdong and Macao under the "Four-Party Agreement" to promote integrated sports development in the Greater Bay Area and bid for more international competitions.
5. To enhance the operational efficiency of sports and cultural facilities, market-based business models will be introduced at selected Leisure and Cultural Services Department venues, including the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, to provide diverse value-added activities and support sector industrialization.
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