Kai Tak Covid isolation centre suitable for use as creative hub, site for short-term projects, Hong Kong development chief says
- Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn says Kai Tak isolation centre at old airport could become ‘cultural and creative industry base’
- Linn says Kai Tak has better facilities, such as separate toilets, and is suitable for creative use and endeavours linked to nearby cruise terminal
Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho also dismissed earlier claims that HK$3.75 million (US$478,830) a month was being wasted on the upkeep of six isolation centres as she told lawmakers about the government’s plans for the facilities.
She said the Kai Tak site, near the city’s former airport, had better facilities, such as separate toilets, and the government could also use it for short-term projects.
“We are considering turning the Kai Tak facility into, for example, a cultural and creative industry base, and short-term uses that can go with the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal nearby – we are actively discussing this with the relevant bureau,” Linn said.
“We are not wasting public money. We are handling the facilities in a cautious way.”
Lawmakers earlier accused the government of wasting public money to maintain the unused centres and said better use should be made of them.
