The annual major art event “Le French May Arts Festival” will make its debut at the Central Harbourfront this Thursday and it will last for four days till Sunday (i.e. from 18 to 21 May). Recently, I chatted with my colleagues about this event and noted with interest that almost without us noticing it, the mega event hotspot at the Central Harbourfront has been operating for nearly three years, and a new short-term tenancy has just been granted for the site.  Looking ahead, we hope to see more variety in the events being held and will encourage more groups and organisations to take part in it. We aim to make more optimal use of this large outdoor space to attract more people to participate in the events being held to achieve our ultimate goal of building a harbourfront for the enjoyment of all.

The Central Harbourfront Event Space (CHES) is one of the new attempts by the Government to make diversified use of the land at the harbourfront.  It is completely different from other waterfront promenades which are generally funded, designed, built and managed by the Government.  In 2014, a three-year short-term tenancy was granted to a private operator through open tender for organisation of events at the Central harbourfront.  To ensure that the operator is experienced and capable of managing such a big event space, a two-envelope approach was adopted in the tendering procedures requiring tenderers to submit a technical proposal in addition to a rental proposal to provide information such as the number of events to be held annually and the detailed arrangements for the holding of large-scale events.  To ensure that the public will have more opportunities to take part in free activities, we have included in the tenancy a condition that a minimum of 120 days per year would have to be allocated for organising activities in which people from all walks of life could participate for free.

Public-private partnership to enhance flexibility

In just three years’ time, nearly 180 events have been hosted by various organisers at the CHES, attracting a patronage of about 4 million people.  These activities, with a wide range of variety, had catered for different sectors and interests.  There were all-ages events such as the Great European Carnival, the equestrian spectacle of Cavalia that made its first presence in Hong Kong, and the Udderbelly Festival.  There were also events for art lovers such as the Art Central and the “Botero in Hong Kong” exhibition.  For music lovers, they might have visited the CHES for concerts or taken part in the Clockenflap Music Festival; while sport lovers might have experienced in person the first-ever FIA Formula E Championship that was staged in Central last year or have given it a go in practising yoga in the CHES.  More than 100 activities held in these 100-odd events were offered for free to encourage more public participation.

Based on our experience in the past three years, we find that operating an outdoor event space of about 3.6 hectares takes not only the efforts of the operator, but also commitment on the part of the various government departments involved.  On the one hand, operator has to stay creative and innovative to come up with fresh and appealing ideas so as to offer one of a kind experiences to the public; on the other hand, government departments have to conduct rigorous checking on all arrangements before each large-scale event is held in order to ensure public safety and that minimum nuisance will be caused to the neighbourhood.  Although the CHES is not the first large-scale outdoor event space in Hong Kong, it is the first of its kind that caters for uninterrupted changes of events.  I can see the Central harbourfront from my office window and I have witnessed the changes that have come with each event – how it is transformed from one venue to another in merely a few days’ time.  I must say I am amazed by the efficient and collaborative efforts of the Hong Kong people.

From the success and smooth operation of these short-term uses, we fully appreciate the importance of private sector participation in harbourfront development.  Many international events have been brought to Hong Kong for the first time over the past three years, thanks to the experiences, flexibility, business sense and international networks of the private operator, its efforts have taken the reputation of our city and the Victoria Harbour to new heights, and enriched the Hong Kong people’s leisure life, while at the same time, provided the necessary space for non-profit making organisations to hold large-scale events.

Clauses added to short-term tenancy

In view of the popularity of this short-term harbourfront enhancement project, and the fact that infrastructure works in some eastern sites of the new Central harbourfront will not be completed within the coming three years, we have sought support from the Central and Western District Council and the Harbourfront Commission to conduct an open tender afresh.  A new tenancy was granted for the CHES and with the award of the new tenancy, the short-term use of the CHES was extended until mid-2020.

Additional clauses have been added to the new tenancy to strengthen the CHES’ community role.  The operator is required to conduct community outreach activities such as giving out free tickets through charitable organisations or providing all sorts of convenience to facilitate and attract patronage from all walks of life.  I understand that the operator has begun to roll out the details of the SummerFest@Central Harbourfront to be held this summer in July and August with the themes of “Action”, “Lifestyle” and “Social”.  A series of free summer events will come soon, so don’t miss it.

Taking on board the experience of private sector’s participation in short-term tenancies, we will continue to explore interesting possibilities in other suitable harbourfront sites.  We will strive to provide more variety and choices to suit the needs of the community with a view to bringing in more fun happenings at the harbourfront for the public to enjoy.