HONG KONG, November 17 (New York Times) — Hong Kong’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced Monday a major initiative to open up prominent public venues—traditionally reserved for recreation and culture—to commercial operators for private events and advertising, following a directive in the latest Policy Address. The move involves designating 24 sites for market-driven activities, including eight for high-value events like concerts and parties and 16 for commercial advertising placements, marking a significant step toward integrating commercial usage into the city’s civic spaces.
The decision stems from a plan to introduce “market operation modes” into designated LCSD facilities to offer more diverse value-added activities. Officials believe this commercial pivot will create “novel and unique experiences” for participants while generating new revenue streams. The department is currently soliciting expressions of interest from experienced organizations to manage and promote these new commercial opportunities.
Iconic Public Spaces to Host Private Functions
Eight key venues, including several highly visible urban landmarks, are slated to be available for rent for commercial promotions, corporate gatherings, high-end private functions, and even celebrity meet-and-greets. The list of locations includes:
- Hong Kong Cultural Centre: Specific outdoor plazas.
- Chater Garden: Designated rest areas.
- Kwun Tong Promenade: Open spaces (excluding inclusive access areas).
- Art Museum and Oil Street Art Space: Interior and exterior areas suitable for exclusive tours or unique events.
- Kowloon City: The expansive Kai Tak Station Square.
These sites can host a diverse range of activities, from small musical performances and birthday celebrations to exclusive, curator-led museum tours for premium clientele. The LCSD plans to select professional operators who will be granted two- or three-year non-exclusive rights to manage event planning, offer technical support, and provide customer management services at these locations, with the possibility of a two-year extension based on performance.
Expanding Commercial Advertising Footprint
In addition to event hosting, sixteen other LCSD venues are being opened for commercial advertising. These strategic locations are chosen for their high visibility and broad public exposure, maximizing brand recognition and engagement.
Advertisements will be permitted in unconventional as well as traditional spaces, including facility exterior walls, light poles located outside the venues, interior performance hall walls, seating area staircases, pillar wraps, and near entrances and exits. Officials also plan to sell ad space within event programs and brochures.
However, the LCSD explicitly stated that the operating rights granted to commercial partners remain non-exclusive. The government reserves the absolute discretion to determine the location and nature of any activity or advertisement and retains the right to revoke access to any designated space at any time. Furthermore, the department maintains the right to utilize any specified area for its own governmental promotions, required maintenance, or use by existing venue renters.
Interested organizations have until December 16 to submit their expressions of interest. The LCSD will host a briefing session at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Administration Building on November 27 to provide operational details and answer questions regarding the commercial partnerships. The successful implementation of this strategy is expected to redefine the public use of these civic assets, balancing cultural access with market-driven efficiency.
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