Relaunch of invitation for quotations on harbourfront event space in Hung Hom for short-term use
The Development Bureau (DEVB) announced today (December 22) the relaunch of the invitation for quotations for the short-term use of the Former Hung Hom Railway Freight Yard Pier as harbourfront event space (location plan in Annex). The invitation is open from today until January 22, 2026. The successful bidder shall be responsible for the development, operation, management and maintenance of the said event space while making it available for public enjoyment for approximately three years.
The Pier is currently a vacant site. The DEVB earlier announced the long-term development proposal for sites around the Hung Hom waterfront areas (including the Pier) with a view to transforming these areas into a new harbourfront landmark. The DEVB also indicated that, before the long-term development thereon, the Pier site will be revitalised, as a short-term measure, into a character-filled event space and public open space.
The DEVB had invited open quotations mid-year for the aforesaid short-term revitalisation project. However, in view of the availability of an additional piece of land adjacent to the Pier site, which can be included in the project in one go, and the Government's wish to strengthen the provisions on venue management, the DEVB has decided to cancel the aforesaid quotation exercise and relaunch it after strengthening the relevant terms and requirements.
For the land adjacent to the waterbody to the right of the Pier, it will become part of the event space site, expanding its area from approximately 1.5 hectares to 1.8 hectares.
Furthermore, in response to the incident at the Central Harbourfront Event Space this September regarding the cancellation of the passenger-carrying hot air balloon ride after the sale of tickets due to the failure to secure the relevant permit, the DEVB has beefed up the terms and requirements in the quotation documents to place a heavier onus on the venue operator (i.e. the successful bidder of this quotation exercise) in monitoring future event organisers and to regularise the communication and alert mechanisms so as to enable the DEVB, as the venue owner, to intervene in a timely manner. These strengthened provisions are aimed at better leveraging harbourfront resources to bring positive experiences for visitors as well as to better safeguard consumer rights. Relevant terms and requirements include:
(1) The venue operator is required to assess the credentials and experience of the applicants, their capability in hosting events, the feasibility of the proposed events, etc, before confirming approval of venue applications from event organisers. The venue operator shall submit regular assessment reports to the DEVB;
(2) The venue operator shall closely monitor the progress of event preparation and alert the DEVB in a timely manner, such as whether the event is in alignment with the original proposal, whether the relevant licenses or permits have been applied for and obtained in a timely manner, and whether the ticketing arrangement is proper; and
(3) In addition to the abovementioned alert mechanism, the venue operator and event organisers are required to hold a tripartite meeting with the DEVB prior to the events to confirm the progress of the final stage preparation and the arrangements made.
A two-envelope approach is adopted in this quotation exercise, under which the weighting for the technical proposal is 70 per cent and the price proposal is 30 per cent. Factors for assessing the technical proposals include whether the proposals would involve the hosting of any landmark events or installations, the availability of catering and entertainment facilities, and the development of night-time activities. Details of the quotation exercise are available on the website of the DEVB (www.devb.gov.hk). The DEVB will complete the quotation assessment as promptly as possible after the close of the invitation in January next year. Meanwhile, the Government is carrying out basic improvement works at the Pier and will hand over the Pier to the successful bidder as the venue operator. The Pier is anticipated to be open to the public in phases starting from the first quarter of next year.
Source: AI-found images
