Govt invites quotations for new lease of Central Harbourfront Event Space

The Development Bureau (DEVB) announced on Monday an invitation for quotations for a new lease of the approximately 3.7-hectare Central Harbourfront Event Space, as the current lease expires on June 30.

The invitation period lasts about six weeks, closing on February 13 (Fri), with the award expected before April and the new lease starting in July for five years.

A spokesman for the bureau said that the government has successfully facilitated numerous large-scale events through the management model of leasing the event space to external organizations.

The new tender retains this model but introduces optimizations—improved lease terms and stronger oversight by the venue operator over future event organizers.

Key enhancements include raising the technical proposal weighting in evaluations from 40 percent to 70 percent, focusing on activity variety, waterfront vibrancy, and visitor appeal.

The fixed term of the new lease has been extended from three years to five years to encourage the lessee to make long-term investments and plans.

Furthermore, within one year of the lease’s commencement, the lessee must establish a permanent dining facility of at least 100 square meters along the harborfront adjacent to the site.

The tender terms will continue to stipulate that at least 30 percent of the annual days must host activities open to public participation.

If the lessee fails to meet their commitment, they must pay the government a compensation fee equivalent to 10 percent of the monthly rent for each day below the commitment.

The bureau also strengthened terms and requirements in the quotation documents to increase the accountability of the venue operator for monitoring future event organizers and to regularize communication and alert mechanisms. This enables DEVB, as the venue owner, to intervene promptly when necessary.

The operator must monitor event preparation progress—including alignment with proposals, license applications, and ticket sales—and alert DEVB as needed.

Additionally, tripartite meetings involving the operator, event organizers, and DEVB are mandated before events to confirm final preparations and arrangements.