The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Legislative Council (LegCo) approved a funding application by the HKSAR government for 21.6 billion HK dollars (about 2.77 billion U.S. dollars) to build a cultural district in West Kowloon.

Henry Tang, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR government, thanked the LegCo for the 21.6 billion HK dollars funding endorsement, saying the project is an important strategic investment in the long-term development of arts and culture for Hong Kong's future.

Tang said the HKSAR government plans to form the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority by making appointments to the authority's board in the coming months this year to push ahead with the project's early implementation.

The development of the cultural district, a 40-hectare waterfront site, is envisaged as a new cultural icon for Hong Kong, incorporating performance venues, museums, a multi-level complex of entertainment and retail facilities, some residential development, extensive open space, a waterfront promenade, an automated people mover and a spectacular canopy.

(Xinhua News Agency July 5, 2008)