All three screened-in proponents have expressed interest in continuing to participate in the West Kowloon Cultural District project, the Housing, Planning & Lands Bureau says.

Noting it needs time to study the proponents' responses, the bureau will announce the project's next steps.

The proponents have raised questions about the development parameters and conditions, including arrangements for the carving out commercial and residential portions, use of sale proceeds from them, and contributions towards the $30-billion fund.

The Government issued the Invitation for Proposals for the project in September, 2003. An extensive public consultation was organised from mid-December 2004 to the end of June last year.

New development parameters

Based on public views, the Government on October 7 proposed a set of new development parameters and conditions for the project, including abolishing the single-development approach.

The successful proponent is required to carve out at least 50% of the commercial and residential gross floor area for bidding by other developers in a fair process. It is also required to pay $30 billion upfront to establish a fund to support the district's sustainable operation.

There are also restrictions on the maximum residential gross floor area and plot ratio, while a minimum net operating floor area for arts and cultural facilities equivalent to 30% of the total gross floor area is specified.