West Kowloon - 13 Nov, 2004
Another Perfect Storm Brewing?
Dear Subscribers and Friends
Will the mistake of Cyberport and Article 23 be repeated over the proposed West Kowloon Cultural Development (WKCD)? The signs show that this could be another Perfect Storm that could hit the HKSAR Government. Don’t take your eye off this …
A. West Kowloon Development … what’s the buzz?
1. 1994 promise: The government promised the Town Planning Board (TPB) in 1994 that a larger chuck of Victoria Harbour than necessary was reclaimed for roads to the airport so that the additional space could be use to create a large park for Kowloon.
… 2. Amnesia: No one remembers the 1994 undertaking. The government held an architectural concept design competition for the WKCD in 2002 where Norman Forster won. His drawing showed a giant roof structure with a Nike-like “swoosh” feel.
… 3. “Let’s do it”: In 9/2003, the government invited proposals for developing the 40 ha site to create a cultural, commercial and residential complex. Various developers’ consortia put in bids. Deadline for submission was 6/2004.
… 4. Three shortlisted: On 11/11, 3 consortia were shortlisted: (a) Cheung Kong + Sun Hung Kai; (b) Sinoland, Wharf + Others; and (c) Henderson Land. Those who did not propose a giant roof were knocked out. The winning contract is expected to be signed mid-05.
… 5. Icon searching: The government said it desires an icon that will define Hong Kong. The WKCD would be like what the Sydney Opera House is to that city. The giant roof may be seen from space. There will be multiple museums so Hong Kong could be an arts hub. etc etc etc. No mention of the Copenhagen mermaid (which is tiny) has ever been mentioned - the bigger, the better it seems.
… 6. The people amassing: With all these good intentions, why are the people rising up in arms? Talk-radio and phone-in programmes have been full of complaints.
B. So, what’s the real buzz …
1. Disguised property project: Despite promises of museums and public entertainment areas, the project is seen as a property play since to operate arts and cultural facilities, the developer will use commercial/residential development within the complex to finance less profitable facilities. Furthermore, to finance them, a lot of commercial/residential development will be needed, which would also lead to control of the Kowloon property market for the winning developer(s).
2. Reminder of Cyberport: In 1999, chief executive CH Tung was seen to have favoured one developer to give the development right for a ‘cyberport’ development when it was seen to be no more than an unexceptional property development. Cynicism runs so deep in Hong Kong that there is widespread belief that the right for WKCD will go to consortium (a) because it represents the most powerful business interests.
3. Instant art: Arts and cultural groups object to the project because they say the government has never done any research on what kind of arts and cultural activities Hong Kong needs and that building venues [hardware] is not the way to go.
4. Perfunctory public consultation: The government had promised a 6 months consultation period, which has now been shortened to 6 weeks including the upcoming Christmas/New Year holiday period.
6. The People’s Forum is born: Community activists are forming an 800-people forum to vet the proposed development.
7. “Its not about money”: The shortlisted developers are declaring here and there the project is not about making money but about design, culture, the public good etc. They have gone into hire PR-gear to sell their designs to the public.
C. Observations
The enduring political frustration with the CH Tung Administration, much of which has to do with public belief that he favours the rich and powerful, now has a new focal point in the WKCD. The government has brushed aside public disquiet about the project since 2002 but the discontent remains and is now energized. A winter of discontent is around the corner and another perfect storm brewing.
CHRISTINE LOH
Civic Exchange - HK’s independent think tank