Culture hub told to step up game

Wallis Wang

The cash-strapped West Kowloon Cultural District should set key performance indicators for its future development and operations to achieve self-financing, says Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu.

Lee said the administration hopes to finalize the plan to improve the culture hub's financial situation soon and develop a good and sustainable strategy.

"The West Kowloon Cultural District is designed to self-finance after some big government endowments," Lee said. "It is supposed to be a self-financing and self-running institution. That is the KPI set by the government for the West Kowloon Cultural District."

The administration is in talks with the WKCD Authority to discuss possible options and a decision will be made "very soon," he said.

"But whatever is eventually decided, one important point, I think, for everybody to note, is that government money must be spent very carefully."

Lee added: "Whatever option is eventually agreed, it is important that there will be KPIs set for some of the development and operation of the West Kowloon Cultural District."

Lee noted the administration has high expectations for the hub's successful operation, which has been generating a positive impact in Hong Kong.

"In many areas, it has been doing a job that satisfies the expectations and wishes of the community, but we want to ensure that there will be a long-term viable financing plan with good KPIs," he said.

WKCDA board chair Henry Tang Ying-yen recently said the district may slash its opening hours because of financial difficulties - for which it awaits approval.

"For example, instead of opening six days a week, the museums may close for two more days per week and so does the Xiqu Centre... We would like to reduce the financial loss but is it fair to citizens?" Tang said. It is understood that the administration has completed an independent review of the WKCDA's proposal but has yet to reply.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said it is the WKCDA's responsibility to decide the best operating mode to optimize resources while progress is being made to resolve its financial issues.

The cultural hub has achieved good results in the past and has become a popular tourist site, Yeung noted.

If the WKCDA requires assistance in its developmental strategies, the administration will carefully consider it, he added.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com