Lukewarm response as just five bid to build cultural hub
The government received just five proposals for the development of the West Kowloon Cultural District when submissions closed yesterday. Four came from the city's leading developers.
The lukewarm response prompted worries the tendering of the multi-billion dollar project would lack fairness and transparency, and that the 40-hectare site, valued at $24 billion, would end up in the hands of developers who care more about financial returns than art and culture.
The five bidders are: World City Culture Park (Henderson Land Development); Swire Properties; Dynamic Star International (a joint venture of Cheung Kong (Holdings) and Sun Hung Kai Properties); Sunny Development (a joint venture of Wharf Holdings, Sino Land, Chinese Estates and Ka Wah) and individual bidder Lam Sze-tat.
Late last year, nine local and two overseas developers had expressed interest in tendering for the project.
Chief Secretary Donald Tsang Yam-kuen said he was satisfied with the outcome. 'I am surprised that the bidders include both large- and medium-sized developers,' he said.
Thomas Tso Man-tai, deputy secretary for housing, planning and lands, said only bidders who met the mandatory requirements for the development - which includes setting aside 29 per cent of the site for arts and culture and the construction of a controversial giant canopy designed by architect Lord Foster - would be considered.
'We will not award the site to the bidder simply because it offers the highest price ... We have to receive support from the majority of the public before going ahead with any of the proposals,' he said.
The proposals will be displayed for public consultation early next year. Construction is expected to be completed in stages from 2010.
The government has been attacked for its decision to entrust a single consortium with running the site for 30 years.
Critics also say the glassy canopy, covering half the 40-hectare site, would be expensive to maintain.
Yu Wai-wai, executive director of one of the bidders, Sino Land, said what while its bid included the cost of the canopy, it would be expensive to maintain. 'We are hoping that the government will provide some other options,' he said.
Mr Tso said alternative ways to build the canopy would be examined if bidders thought it too costly.
Wong Sing-chi, who sits on the Legislative Council's panel on planning, lands and works, said Mr Tsang had miscalculated overseas interest in the project.
He said he was worried the small number of bids could encourage 'behind-door' deals.
