49th Board Meeting of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Held Today

The Board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) held its 49th meeting today.

In his report to the Board Members, WKCDA’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Duncan Pescod indicated that there has been continuous progress at the WKCD development in all aspects of general design and construction, with over 1.8 million construction man hours completed across various projects. Notably the foundation works contract for the interfacing car park adjacent to M+ has also been completed.  After construction of the car park, its roof will be greened to form part of the Park.

Since January 2016, the WKCDA has awarded the significant foundations works contract for the Lyric Theatre Complex and the surrounding basement below the Artist Square and commenced works on site. In addition to the tender for the Park contract issued in January, WKCDA has also awarded a small but important Public Infrastructure Works contract under which works have recently started. In anticipation of the completion of the Lyric Theatre Complex’s design this year, WKCDA has already started looking at the next stage of development on the site to ensure the project is brought fully to fruition in good time.

As regards the arts and cultural programmes, Mr Pescod reported that two sessions of Freespace Happening have been held respectively on 24 January and 14 February. Board Members noted that despite the unusually cold weather on 24 January, a small but enthusiastic crowd supported the band performances and the Ultimate Frisbee training sessions. On 14 February, with much better weather the programme was well-received by over 7,400 visitors. The next Freespace Happening will be held on 28 February.

At the Board meeting, Mr Duncan reported that the M+ Sigg Collection Exhibition: Four Decades of Chinese Contemporary Art, which will take place from 23 February to 5 April, will track the development of Chinese contemporary art through a selection from the magnificent M+ Sigg collection. He invited the public to have a taste of what is to come when the full collection goes on display after the M+ Building opens in 2019. As part of the exhibition, M+ is also presenting a series of learning programmes including a talk, guided tours, and events for teachers. A digital interactive exhibition guide available on mobile phones and tablets will also be on trial.

The Board also considered WKCDA’s Business Plan for the coming financial year, as well as the Corporate Plan for the coming three financial years.  In accordance with the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Ordinance, these plans will be submitted to the Secretary for Home Affairs before the end of the financial year.