WKCD 'to enter new phase with more facilities'

The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority announced it will enter a new phase marked by operational maturity in 2027/28, with several major projects nearing completion. Board chairman Bernard Chan briefed lawmakers on the latest progress at a Legco panel meeting, revealing that the authority's operating revenue of HK$768 million in 2025/26 marked the highest since the authority's establishment, representing a nearly 20% year-on-year growth.

The revenue from the "Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums" exhibition, which ran from mid-November to August at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, surpassed HK$33 million. Despite the authority's deficit widening to HK$998 million for the 2025/26 financial year from HK$769 million, Chan emphasized that it's normal for the cultural district to operate at a loss as commercial facilities only accounted for 3% of the total buildable floor area to date.

The opening of cultural facilities is expected to lead to continuous increases in operating expenses. However, Chan highlighted that the arts hub has been gradually developing the ability to generate income, with ticketing income and corporate sponsorships revenue surging by 30% year on year. Chan mentioned that the district's operations will undergo significant changes in 2027/28, with the WestK Performing Arts Centre, Artist Square Towers, and the extension of the West Kowloon harbourfront promenade expected to be completed, providing greater benefits to the public.

The challenge now lies in leveraging the strong growth of the cultural district's core business to generate revenue and create a sustainable cultural district for Hong Kong residents without relying on government funding.