Hong Kong tram world’s first with a private club on board, offering space to hire for arts events
Circus Tram has three cabins that will be used for artistic salons, concerts, debates and private functions. It has a toilet and there is no staircase at the back to maximise space
The world’s first private members’ club inside a working tram will open in Hong Kong this month. The roving social and arts venue on tracks aims to turn the historic and much-loved mode of transport into a cultural asset and a platform for local creative talent.
The bespoke Circus Tram, as it has been christened, will start travelling between Western Market and North Point on a permanent basis from September 24.
Only members are allowed on board, and membership is limited to 108 people per year and costs HK$20,000 (US$2,550) up front, which can be used as credit later.
You’ll spot it easily. The wooden frame structure of the tram is exposed since it doesn’t carry any advertising panels like ordinary trams. There is no staircase at the back to maximise space, and there are extras you don’t find on other trams such as a lavatory and three cabins that will be used for artistic salons, concerts, debates and private functions.
The jazzed-up version of a party tram is named after Circus, a two-year-old cultural start-up founded by architects Rex Lau and Alvin Yip. The start-up will operate the tram – which was built from scratch – with help from Hong Kong Tramways.
The cabins built into the two-metre-wide carriage feel surprisingly roomy. They all have padded bench seats along the windows and small but sturdy tables in the aisle. In terms of style (each room has a distinct look), think trendy restaurant with retro details.