Cultural icon: By early 2006, the administration hopes to decide on the way forward for the proposed Wesk Kowloon Cultural District, as seen in this artist's impression of the original winning design concept.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang is counting on lawmakers to re-approve plans to build new Central Government Offices and a Legislative Council Building on the Tamar site.

The project would not only meet a practical need and create thousands of badly needed construction jobs. It would also "facilitate the administration's closer interface with the legislature, and therefore enhance co-operation," Mr Tsang said.

LegCo agreed on the plan in 2003. It also won Town Planning Board approval, is consistent with the development of Central District and "accords with the long-term public interest," he says. It was shelved temporarily due to the economic downturn.

Now that the economy is blossoming again, Mr Tsang hopes LegCo members will render their support for this cost-effective plan as before.

Hong Kong requires continuous infrastructural development to maintain its status and vitality as Asia's world city, the Chief Executive said in his Policy Address today.

Apart from Tamar Government Headquarters, he noted other key projects were developing smoothly, including:

* the KCRC Lok Ma Chau Spur Line;

* Route 8; and

* the KCRC South Kowloon line.

Several other plans are under study, including the Sha Tin to Central Link, the West Hong Kong Island Line, and the feasibility of the KCRC Northern Link and the MTRC South Hong Kong Island Line.

Convenient cross-boundary links in works

As Hong Kong forges stronger ties with the Mainland, more convenient cross-border transport links are necessary, he said. Advance work is underway on the proposed Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Corridor will be commissioned next year when the control point at Shekou is completed.

In the next two years, he noted, projects valued at $6.5 billion will be completed at Hong Kong International Airport. Meanwhile, the Government will conduct an ecological study on a northwest Lantau site earmarked for Container Terminal 10. And next month, it will invite expressions of interest in building a new cruise terminal.

WKCD direction set for early 2006

By early 2006, the administration hopes to decide on the specific way forward for the proposed West Kowloon Cultural District project. This follows a six-month public consultation that showed the community generally supports the development of such a cultural landmark.

The Commission on Strategic Development will explore practical measures for opening up opportunities for Hong Kong's creative industries, and promoting cultural and arts education.

Film board to chart development course

"The film industry is a flagship of our creative industries. To strengthen the consultative framework for communication with the industry, we will set up a film development board to take stock of the present state, opportunities and challenges of the local film industry before charting a development course and drawing up a clear action plan," Mr Tsang said.

In the long term, he said, Hong Kong must conduct in-depth studies on the major issues pertaining to the development of cultural and creative industries.