Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands Michael Suen says the Government will take the public interest as the basis in making a decision on the way forward for the West Kowloon Cultural District development project.

Speaking in the Legislative Council's motion debate on the project today, Mr Suen said the Government has not set a timetable for the selection of the successful proponent. It will report the latest developments to LegCo after considering the proponents' responses and seeking advice from the Executive Council.

Mr Suen said the Government has fully responded to public concerns by proposing proactively the introduction of additional development parameters and conditions for the project. They include the carving-out arrangement, the caps on plot ratio and percentage of residential development, and the payment of $30 billion upfront to establish a fund to sustain the operation of the district.

He said the Government stands firm on these additional development parameters and conditions.

No 'secret dealing'

The secretary said the Government has never negotiated or bargained with the proponents, nor has it reached any private deals or made any promises to them.

"We have provided the same information to the three proponents simultaneously. The process is absolutely fair and there is no secret dealing at all," Mr Suen said.

On the three screened-in proponents' responses made last month to the development parameters and conditions, Mr Suen said the Government needs time to study the questions raised and to consult relevant departments and the Executive Council.

"Gaining community support and securing market acceptance are necessary pre-requisites for the successful implementation of the project. We hope to follow through the current development framework and, through establishing a partnership with the private sector, to shape a world-class integrated arts and cultural district that meets public aspirations."