Convention centre to double in size with $2.4b extension

HONGKONG'S Convention and Exhibition Centre will be virtually doubled in size before 1997, following approval of a $2.4 billion extension on land gained from the Central and Wan Chai reclamation project.

Mr Macleod announced that he was earmarking the cash for construction of an extension in front of the Harbour Road centre.

Another $3.1 billion would be allocated to pay for the reclamation and service work on the site, which stretches 300 metres into what is now Victoria Harbour.

Mr Macleod said the centre, which is run by the Trade Development Council (TDC), ''has proved to be a huge success, bringing substantial economic benefits to Hongkong''.

''But the centre is fast reaching the limits of its capacity. The council has suggested the construction of an extension in front of the existing centre.

''I expect the extension to bring about quantifiable economic benefits amounting to some $9 billion to $10 billion a year, in addition to those unquantifiable benefits such as absorption of new knowledge and ideas brought to Hongkong through the holding of conventions and exhibitions.'' It is believed that Mr Macleod's estimate of benefits includes charges levied by the centre on conference organisers, together with revenue to hotels, airlines, travel organisations and retailers from delegates visiting the territory.