Project Description
Concept, planning and governance for one of the world’s major cultural precincts
> THE CONTEXT
In alignment with many Asian cities leading the way in economic
and cultural leadership, Hong Kong has transformed itself through
strong investment in significant cultural infrastructure and precinct
planning.
The West Kowloon Cultural District is a signature cultural project
for Hong Kong: occupying 40 hectares, it blends art, education and
open space and is home to several major Performing arts venues,
studio theatres, a world-class contemporary art museum and
public parks. A Development Plan for the District, based on Foster
+ Partners Conceptual Plan, was approved in January 2013, opening
to the public in stages from 2016. The vision was to create a vibrant
cultural quarter for the city where the local arts scene can interact,
develop and collaborate.
> THE APPROACH
As part of the mode of governance project, we reviewed the
WKCDA Ordinance and the recent recommendations from their
consultative committees, in order to determine the best governance
arrangements for the Performing Arts Centres in the district. We
undertook benchmarking of venues in mainland China, Taiwan,
Singapore, Australia, the UK and the USA. All were selected to reflect
the venue types specified for the Cultural District. We interviewed
and consulted with both government and non-government
stakeholders in Hong Kong and attended Public Engagement
consultation sessions before making our recommendations.
> THE PROJECTS
Positive Solutions undertook multiple projects, first supporting the
development of a masterplan and concept for the district, working
with GHK (now ICF) and Norman Foster Architects, later working
with GHK and Deloitte on financial modelling for the Cultural District
(2006-2008) and then collaborating with GHK and human resources
firm Hays on designing the organisational structure for the West
Kowloon Cultural District Authority (2008-2009).
> THE RESULTS
We produced a report with recommendations on the mode
of governance for each of the performing arts venues in the
district, in relation to the type of operator and taking into account
the site-wide functions and implications of each element.
Our advice included considerations around contractual and
funding arrangements, the selection of resident companies, the
measurement and monitoring of success and other elements for
effective governance.
