Chief Executive Donald Tsang has visited the former Police Married Quarters on Hollywood Road and nearby art galleries to see the development potential for the area as a base for art and creative industries.

Touring the quarters today where he spent part of his childhood, Mr Tsang was briefed by the Development Bureau and CreateHK on the project's progress, which forms part of the Conserving Central initiative.

The Government will soon invite proposals to convert the site into a creative landmark, providing facilities such as exhibition galleries, studios, and office and shop space for advertising, design, arts and culture, video production, music, digital entertainment, education and training centres, and lodging for visiting artists.

Creative centre: Chief Executive Donald Tsang inspects progress in the Conserving Central project and tours an art gallery.

Mr Tsang said he was pleased to learn a 12-day government-sponsored design activity, DETOUR 2009, will take place at the quarters from November 27, covering 40 activities arousing public interest in design, encouraging cross-disciplinary and cross-border dialogue between local and overseas design professionals, and promoting creativity among local youths.

"The fact a large-scale design event like DETOUR has picked the quarters as the venue is testament to the suitability of the site for operating creative industries," Mr Tsang said.

Arts development 

Mr Tsang also toured a number of art galleries on Old Bailey Street, Chancery Lane and Shin Hing Street, and met the gallery operators to learn more about their business. He heard their views at a tea gathering on the police quarters project on how Hong Kong can become a better place for the development of art and creative industries.

"Though the operators are of different nationalities, they have one thing in common. I am deeply impressed by their zest in promoting arts and culture in Hong Kong, and their commitment to nurturing emerging artists. I can also feel the rich artistic atmosphere and vibrancy of this area which houses more than 30 contemporary art galleries and antique shops," he said, adding with the Hollywood Road police quarters project, more galleries, design firms or creative establishments will be attracted to cluster, making Central a desirable base for developing art and creative industries.

Noting Hong Kong has become the world's third largest art market after New York and London in terms of trading, Mr Tsang reassured the operators the Government will work hard to enhance the city's competitive edge in creative industry development.

"Apart from training talent and developing local markets, we will strengthen education, support start-up companies, expand overseas and Mainland markets, and help organise mega events to promote Hong Kong as the creative capital of Asia," Mr Tsang said.