Hong Kong’s Kitec venue once hosted Mirror and transformed musical careers. So why is it closing down?
- After 28 years, curtain is to come down on Kowloon Bay International Trade and Exhibition Centre, with space to be used for an office redevelopment
- Kitec’s Star Hall was ideal size for rising acts, including boy band Mirror, as they progressed from smaller venues to bigger ones such as Hong Kong Coliseum and Asia-World Expo
The cha chaan teng may be modest, but the Hong Kong-style cafe at the Kowloon Bay International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Kitec) can count the members of Cantopop boy band sensation Mirror among its customers.
“They used to sit right here,” manager Ms Cheung, said as she pointed to two tables in front of the cashier just big enough for a dozen people.
“Fans were very dedicated and would queue up to three days ahead of shows here in the hopes of catching a glimpse of their idols. It is a shame that this is closing down.”
The summer will see the curtain come down on Kitec after 28 years, a site consisting of shops, restaurants and offices, as well as exhibition and event spaces.
A consortium led by Billion Development and Project Management will turn the venue into prime office space as part of a HK$20 billion (US$2.6 billion) redevelopment plan.
But music industry veterans said the venue, home to the 3,600-seat Star Hall, was more than just a concert space and that it was a perfect stepping stone for acts who wanted to get a leg up in the business.