Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam has announced that a new convention and exhibition venue will be built near the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in Wan Chai.
The site currently holds three government buildings, which will be demolished and redeveloped in order to create a new wing that can be connected to the existing HKCEC.
This project would therefore add approximately 23,000 square metres of convention and exhibition facilities, as well as hotel facilities which would be built on top of the exhibition space.
Lam said of the project, “To maintain and consolidate the international status of our convention and exhibition industry, there is a pressing need for new venues. Otherwise, Hong Kong will miss opportunities to host some of the large-scale conventions and exhibitions. After a detailed study, we consider that the priority is to build a new convention and exhibition venue of international standard in the proximity of the existing Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.”
In addition to the new wing of the HKCEC, development of a new convention centre above Exhibition MTR Station will continue, providing an additional 15,000 square metres of convention space.
Lam also stated that as a longer-term plan, the site of the Wan Chai Sports Ground may be earmarked for the further development of conference and exhibition facilities. The aim is to reinforce and enhance the status of Wan Chai North as a convention and exhibition hub in Asia, whilst continuing to explore the feasibility of expanding other existing convention facilities across Hong Kong.
Dawn Page, director UK & Europe, Hong Kong Tourism Board said: “We are delighted to hear of the plans to develop and expand the conference and exhibition facilities in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is an established destination well served to host MICE events, and with this increase in venue space we can continue to grow MICE business to the city, and see further wins on bids for large-scale conferences and exhibitions.”
