The Government intends to set up a pilot scheme to convert factory buildings in the Sham Shui Po District into creative arts villages, Secretary for Home Affairs Dr Patrick Ho says, adding it will start work and discuss the details with interested organisations and groups in the community soon.

Speaking in the Legislative Council today, Dr Ho said the vacated buildings, which have reverted to the Housing Authority, are situated along the Mass Transit Railway line and are easily accessible.

Initial views from cultural groups and individuals suggest these factory buildings are suitable for development into creative arts villages, he added.

He said the Government is consulting members of the cultural and creative sector. They will study issues such as selection of factory buildings, their life span, conversion, renovation and future maintenance as well as the management framework and operation mode of the creative arts villages.