Govt mulls spending $600m to build exhibition hall for Northern Metropolis, Kau Yi Chau developments

The Development Bureau has proposed spending HK$600 million to build an exhibition hall in Wan Chai. If approved, the facility will showcase the Northern Metropolis and the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands, with a projected completion date of 2027.  

This initiative follows the government's previous announcement during the policy address concerning the Northern Metropolis, which is now in its final stage. The government emphasized that the metropolis would serve as a new catalyst for economic growth, focusing on accelerating economic and housing projects within the area.   

Last year's policy address highlighted the need for a large-scale exhibition hall to showcase major projects. In response, the government has chosen the Wan Chai North Promenade for this purpose, placing it in a position directly across from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. The proposed site spans approximately 5,000 square meters.   

The choice of location has garnered support from the Sub-committee on Promotion and Public Engagement under the Northern Metropolis, which noted its central location and accessibility for local, mainland, and international visitors.   

The bureau is currently conducting technical studies to determine the development scale and overall layout of the exhibition hall. Preliminary recommendations suggest that the building will be 3 to 4 stories high, covering a total floor area of about 8,000 to 10,000 square meters.   

They anticipate that construction will commence next year and expect the facility to open in 2027. Experts estimate the project will cost between HK$600 million and HK$700 million, and they designed it as a permanent structure with provisions for timely updates.