The government will seek Legco approval for a HK$21.6 billion one-off grant to finance the initial stage of the West Kowloon cultural development. The request is HK$2.6 billion higher than that previously sought, because of inflation.
Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs Esther Leung Yuet-yin also said yesterday that at least one legislator and five people from the arts and culture field would be appointed to the 15-member board of the authority to oversee the development.
The proposals were revealed at a meeting of the Legislative Council's subcommittee on the cultural hub's development.
Ms Leung said the grant request was increased after adjusting cost estimates to 2008 values.
She said the public would be consulted before the authority tabled its master design - such as where to locate residential and arts and cultural facilities - before seeking the Town Planning Board's approval. Some lawmakers worried the authority would have too much power.
Legislator Raymond Ho Chung-tai suggested experienced civil servants be appointed to supervise the works projects.