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Drop homes from West Kowloon

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The demise of the West Kowloon canopy ('The roof caves in on culture hub dream', February 22) is not a surprise, but a relief to those who are concerned about Hong Kong's future.

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Both the government and the Legislative Council undoubtedly have gained popularity for the wisdom in this decision. But they will become even more popular if the government is willing to make two more concessions to the rethought 'five basic concepts' for the development of the West Kowloon Cultural District.

First, drop the 'residential element' from the first concept. It is out of place with the other elements: cultural, artistic, entertainment and commercial. Allowing a few residential buildings for the elite in the cultural district is a total misfit and will disrupt harmony in the community. As the recent harbour-business survey has shown, 88 per cent of the people are calling for more green space and sensitive development of the harbourfront.

The second concept, public-private partnership - which the government said it was still studying - is regarded by the public as collusion in disguise. It is only right for the government to abandon this concept in view of the overwhelming preference for a cultural green park. This means no participation by property developers. An example of how this partnership can fail is the new airport exhibition halls, which are riddled with problems.

By the same token, the government's reaffirmation of 'partnership-building' in concept five is also out of place. It is impossible to envisage how to persuade the few profit-oriented developers not to maximise profits, since none has been known to be generous in the support of our art and culture communities.

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Who will enforce the agreement? The chairman of the future Culture and Parks Authority must not be the chief secretary, whose appointment is short term and political. We need someone with experience and capability in management, vision and passion in art and culture, as well as concern for the legacy of Hong Kong.

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