The Home Affairs Bureau today announced appointments to the Centre for Youth Development Management Advisory Committee, which will launch New Year's Day.

The committee, to be chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, will be appointed for two years. It will advise the Government on the operation of the centre, including the overall strategy and objectives, the themes and contents of youth development programmes, plus the facilities' use, allocation, leasing and charging arrangements. It will also evaluate the effectiveness of the centre's use in promoting youth programmes and monitor the operator's performance.

Its ex-officio members are Joseph Lee, Dr Pang King-chee, Kung Pak-cheung and Julia Lau. Members are Bunny Chan, Chan Kai-ming, Rock Chen, Amy Fung, Eddie Ho, Witman Hung, Ko Tin-lung, Dr Ko Wing-man, Kendrew Leung, Amy Leung, Edward Leung, Pau Shiu-hung, Eric Tang, Adrian Yip and Yung Sau-mui.

The centre will comprise a main block and a hostel block, with a total gross floor area of about 40,000 square metres. Construction will cost $550.9 million, as approved by the Legislative Council. The Chinese Permanent Cemeteries' management board has also made a $200 million donation.

Its key facilities include an auditorium, an exhibition platform, multi-purpose hall, cafeteria, retail shops, function rooms, resource centre, offices and hostel rooms.