Wan Chai site marked out for new convention centre

The government has earmarked a site next to the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai for a new convention complex.

But the six-storey building, to stand atop the future MTR Exhibition station, will be used only for conventions and meetings.

The plans were outlined in the Planning Department's rezoning proposal submitted to the Town Planning Board for discussion today. The department said the proposal came from the Economic Development Commission set up this year by Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying.

"It is considered that a topside development at the [station] primarily for convention and meeting facilities and other commercial-related uses would optimise the land resources and meet the economic needs of Hong Kong," the report said.

The block will be built on a 1.65 hectare site, now a bus terminus, and in front of the new Wan Chai harbourfront now being reclaimed. A public passageway is proposed to link the block to nearby buildings including the exhibition centre extension.

Exhibition and Convention Industry Association chairman Daniel Cheung Wai-hung said the proposal was good news for the industry. "It's very close to HKCEC. It could have a synergy effect," he said. Cheung, also a member of the Economic Development Commission, said it would be best if the venue were managed by the centre to avoid competition.