Kowloonbay center to shut doors on June 30

Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre will close down on June 30, according to a notice placed at the venue.

The property was bought for HK$10 billion in 2021 by a consortium led by Billion Development and Project Management from Hopewell Holdings.

The developers had applied to the Town Planning Board to redevelop Kitec into three commercial towers totaling about 1.77 million square feet in gross floor area, with 120,000 sq ft designated for exhibition or related purposes.

The plan was approved by the board in March last year.

Towers one and two will be connected commercial towers, with tower three around 30 meters away from the two other towers.

The three commercial buildings will have a podium garden, three floors for industrial exhibitions and commercial retail and two underground floors for parking and mechanical and engineering facilities.

Currently, the center houses performance venues, cinemas, dining establishments, offices and parking lots. ViuTV's television and film production studio is also based in Kitec.

It has hosted events such as women's snooker during the 2009 East Asian Games and performances by popular groups and artists such as Cantopop boy group Mirror and singer-actor Michael Cheung "MC" Tin-fu.

According to Kitec's website, Star Hall and Rotunda Hall still have several exhibitions and concerts scheduled for next month, including the 44th Hong Kong Wedding Showcase, singer Chau Yau-ting's concert and South Korean pop group BTOB's show.

Some online users felt sad over the nearing closure.

"Another venue for concerts is gone. Even though it is small, it is suitable for Japanese artists performing in Hong Kong for the first time - those with not much confidence in filling a larger venue," one said.

Another said: "Originally, there were still some small tenants inside paying rent, and some artists would hold concerts and anime-related events. And there were Japanese-language proficiency tests centers there. Now they are all gone and there will be more office towers [in the district]."

Lawmaker Bill Tang Ka-piu said Kitec holds important memories, and its impending closure saddens many people.

"Rental fees at the center were not particularly expensive compared to large government venues, but its management was very flexible, and it was good for project promotions," Tang said.

Unlike the center's more organizer-friendly approach, he said government venues do not allow audiences to film on-site or organizers to livestream on-site. and the loss of Kitec meant different sectors will need to find alternatives.

Tang said Kowloon East as the second commercial business district lacks large-scale convention and exhibition facilities and the redevelopment work will take years. Also, economic outlook uncertainties may affect progress.

Kitec, built in 1995, has also been a hub for international trade and exhibitions.

The property was originally owned by Hopewell Holdings and was put up for sale at a valuation of up to HK$15 billion in 2019.

marcus.lum@singtaonewscorp.com