LCQ11: Sham Shui Po Design and Fashion Project
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Question:
The Government indicated on January 9, 2018 that it planned to launch a design and fashion project (the project) in a five-storey commercial podium at an Urban Renewal Authority redevelopment project in Sham Shui Po. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the division of work between the government department(s) and organisation(s) which are responsible for the implementation of the project, and the latest progress of the construction works;
(2) of the organisation to be tasked to operate the project, as well as the details of the operation and development directions of the project; and
(3) of the plans put in place by the Government to make use of the project to nurture talents for the fashion industry, including the estimated resources to be allocated and the target for talent development, and whether it has formulated key performance indicators for such work; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
In early 2018, the Government announced to launch a design and fashion project in Sham Shui Po (the Project). A five-storey commercial floor area of about 3 600 square metres, at an Urban Renewal Authority (URA) redevelopment project in Sham Shui Po District (the District) is reserved for the Project. The Project aims to nurture young designers, fashion designers and start-ups, as well as to boost the local economy.
My reply to the question raised by the Hon Dennis Leung is as follows:
(1) The construction work of the Project is undertaken by the URA, whereas Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) is responsible for the strategy formulation, co-ordination and supervision. Upon the re-organisation of the Government structure with effect from July 1, 2022, CreateHK is transferred to the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and continues to oversee the launch of the Project and the implementation of relevant strategies and details. Construction works for the Project has commenced and is expected to be completed in 2023-24.
(2) and (3) The Sham Shui Po District is a traditional hub for wholesale and retail of garment and fabric. Leveraging on the characteristics of the District, the Project will create new synergy by blending design, fashion, garment manufacturing and retail. It is expected to become a focal point of design and fashion in Hong Kong and a popular spot of the industry players. We also hope to bring in members of the public and visitors from and outside the local community and hence drive the development of tourism of the District. The Project will be operated by the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) upon completion. The HKDC is liaising with different stakeholders on the set-up and arrangement of the Project, so as to ensure that the design and operation can meet the aforesaid objectives.
The Government attaches great importance to promoting the development of creative industries and nurturing young talents. The to-be-operated Project and its facilities will be mainly utilised to nurture new blood of the design industry. The three major uses of the Project include (1) providing a ground for the nurture and exchanges of emerging design talents and fashion designers, and helping them to start their career or own businesses, (2) providing an exhibition and activity space open to the public, in particular to manifest the synergy created amongst the fashion design and its upstream and downstream industries, and (3) as a workstation of the HKDC and other industry players to take the lead and promote fashion and other different projects and activities in relation to design.
It is also planned to set aside space of the Project for retail use to allow the designers to acquire sales and marketing experience. Through direct interaction with customers, the designers can expedite the development of their products and establish their start-up businesses in the market. The Project also provides event space for young designers and start-ups to organise workshops, share their design knowledge and offer design and handicraft experience to the public, with a view to promoting the culture of design.
The HKDC is working on a detailed operation plan for the Project and will consider formulating suitable key performance indicators in future.
Ends/Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Issued at HKT 14:00
Issued at HKT 14:00
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