University aims for completion of $550m digital media centre by 2008

A new landmark in Kowloon - the Creative Media Centre of City University - could be built by 2008 if everything goes according to plan.

CityU announced yesterday it would shortly submit its proposal to the Town Planning Board for a nine-storey 'crystalline' structure designed by Studio Daniel Libeskind, the architectural firm that did the master planning for the New York World Trade Centre ground zero redevelopment plan.

The $550 million project will house academic facilities spread over 26,100 square metres, easing the space shortage at CityU, and public facilities such as an exhibition hall, virtual reality centre, theatre and restaurants.

While the government is committed to footing the bill for the academic facilities, the university is seeking $200 million of private funding to support the construction of much of the public facilities at the Cornwall Street site.

CityU president Chang Hsin-kang said it would make Hong Kong a dominant player in creative media education in the region.

It would also nourish much-needed talent for the creative industry, which involves the making of films, documentaries, animation, interactive media or electronic games using digital technology.

'Hopefully the centre will be completed by 2008,' Mr Chang said.