Grand opening: Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang and other officials open the exhibition at the Science Museum.

A 15-week exhibition showcasing screened-in proposals for the West Kowloon Cultural District was launched at the Science Museum today.

Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang urged people to air their views on the proposals to help build a cultural district that Hong Kong can be proud of, adding public interest is crucial to the district's development.

Officiating at the exhibition's opening ceremony today, Mr Tsang said people's aspiration is to have the district becoming Hong Kong's own cultural icon, a place for recreation and a means to bring in economic benefits.

Creating synergy

Mr Tsang said people are concerned that only one consortium will be selected to build the project. However, this is the best option to realise the state-of-the-art, world-class concept, and it will help create synergy between the cultural and business sectors.

Mr Tsang said he is confident that issues arising from the arrangement can be solved, and assured that public interest will be safeguarded.

He called on people to air their opinions. "The Government will listen to their views and take them into account in the negotiations and selection of a preferred proposal that can best meet public aspirations," he said.

Free admission

The exhibition at the Science Museum features details of the technical, management and operational aspects of the proposals.

It will run until January 31 and continue at City Hall from February 5 to March 28. Both venues will open from 10am to 8pm daily, including Sundays and public holidays. Admission is free.

Representatives of the proponents will be present to explain their proposals. Professionals will explain the proposals in detail during two guided tours at 11am and 3pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, and one at 3pm on weekdays.

The proponents' exhibits will also be uploaded onto the West Kowloon Cultural District project website, and more than 10 smaller-scale regional exhibitions will be staged in various venues to enhance public awareness of the proposals.

People can express their views by filling in comment cards distributed at the venues or on the project's website.

Views can also be submitted by faxing 2186 7832, emailing wkcd@cedd.gov.hk, mailing the Housing, Planning & Lands Bureau, 9/F, Murray Building, Garden Road, Central, or at discussion forums organised by the Government.