Additional development parameters introduced to the West Kowloon Cultural District project are more stringent than the old requirements and the three proponents will be consulted to see if they are interested in continuing with the development process, Permanent Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands Rita Lau says.

Speaking on a radio talk show today, Mrs Lau said the conditions were revised to address the public's concerns raised during a consultation exercise.

Under the new conditions, the successful proponent is required to pay $30 billion to establish a trust fund and the maximum plot ratio is set at 1.81.

In addition, it has to carve out at least 50% of the commercial and residential gross floor area at the WKCD site. Other developers would be able to bid for those carved-out portions through open tender.

Mrs Lau said the method of bidding can either be an auction or tender, adding the whole process will be open, fair and transparent.

Subject to positive feedback, she said, the Government will amend the outline zoning plan and submitted to the Town Planning Board for approval.

She stressed that all decisions made will be in the public's best interest.