The Government is inviting proposals for the transformation of the former Police Married Quarters site on Hollywood Road into a creative industries landmark. Submission deadline is June 18.

Revamp plan: Deputy Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development (Communications & Technology) Alan Siu and Deputy Secretary for Development (Works) Jessie Ting explain the former Police Married Quarters site transformation project.

Core works

The proposed Government works will include:

* upgrading the two quarters blocks to meet core functional requirements and modern day statutory building requirements;

* preserving Central School's historic relics;

* constructing a glass canopy between the two blocks;

* providing a skybridge between the two blocks;

* constructing a new multi-purpose room and exhibition area;

* constructing new glass enclosures for creative art galleries; and,

* developing landscaped open space of about 1,200 square metres.

Applicants can propose minor variations of Government works for architectural improvement, Mrs Ting said, adding the successful applicant will be responsible for renovation and decoration specifically for the intended uses and the associated costs. It also needs to envision and operate the creative industries landmark.

Facilities for artists

Deputy Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development (Communications & Technology) Alan Siu said the landmark will comprise studios for artists, designers and the like from different creative sectors, and provide exhibition space and galleries for the display and sale of creative products.

It should also provide dedicated space for use by start-up creative establishments at concessionary rents for incubation purposes, provide venues for activities to promote creative industries and to foster a creative environment within the community, and provide lodgings for visiting artists and designers and local industry people to facilitate on-site creative activities.

Applicants must possess a charitable status under section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance, and form a special purpose company for processing all receipts and payments of the project to facilitate financial monitoring by the Government during the operation period.

The selected operator will have a fixed tenancy term of 10 years, renewable for another five years, at nominal rent. The selected operator will be responsible for any capital costs beyond the Government works and the Government will not subsidise the operating expenses of the project. The selected operator may solicit donations to meet the start-up costs of the project.

Operation requirements

Annual business plan and budget, together with a rolling five-year business plan, should be submitted to the Government in advance for vetting.

Any net operating surplus arising from the operation will be shared between the operator and Government every five years on a 50/50 basis. Upon dissolution of the special purpose company, any surplus funds and assets should be disposed of in accordance with the Inland Revenue Ordinance.

An operator will be selected through a competitive process. The first round assessment will shortlist applications for more vigorous examination in the second round.

Implementation timetable

A site open day will be held April 12 and 13, and there will be a workshop April 19. The first round assessment will finish by the end of July while the second round will be completed by the end of September.

It is expected works for core facilities provided by the Government will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2013 and the creative industries landmark can operate from early 2014.