Future vision: An artist's impression of the atrium in the exhibition gallery proposed for development on the Tamar site.

The Tamar site will be developed into Hong Kong's civic centre, featuring a central Government building, a Legislative Council complex, as well as an exhibition gallery and a civic place by 2007.

Director of Administration Andrew Wong told legislators today that the move aims to rationalise office accommodation and enhance operational efficiency.

As existing out-stationed government offices will be moved into the complex after its completion, the development will save on commercial premises rental costs.

The project will help create some 3,300 jobs, too.

Mr Wong said the 20,000-square-metre exhibition gallery will provide a venue to showcase Hong Kong's infrastructure and developments for the public and tourists.

The major thematic exhibition areas will focus on urban development; transport, logistics and information technology; tourism, as well as sustainable development.

It will also have a children's gallery and learning centre, and a public forum for visitors to exchange views on government town planning and infrastructure.

Mr Wong anticipated that the gallery will attract about 800,000 visitors a year.

The design and construction of the new facilities will cost about $5.9 billion, while the design and fabrication of exhibits in the exhibition gallery will cost $175 million.

The Government will seek funds from the Legislative Council in May before inviting tenders from five prequalified bidders.

A special selection board chaired by the Chief Secretary will be set up to assess and decide on the awarding of the contract.

Other board members include two legislators, two senior Government officials and a professor in architecture.