Expert designs: Chief Secretary Henry Tang announces three consultants have been chosen to prepare the West Kowloon Cultural District's concept plan.

Three consultants - Foster + Partners Limited, Office for Metropolitan Architecture and Rocco Design Architects Limited - have been selected to help prepare the West Kowloon Cultural District concept plan. Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited has been named the project consultant.

Announcing this at the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Consultation Panel second meeting today, Chief Secretary Henry Tang said the selection process was fair and open, but vigorous.

"It was a long process and was difficult because many of the submissions were world-class. But we ended up with three which we think provide a good mix as well as good choices for the community," Mr Tang said.

The project has attracted attention worldwide, receiving more than 40 submissions for expressions of interest. "It was a list of who's who in the world of architecture. I believe this is a unique opportunity for Hong Kong to put ourselves on the map as far as arts and culture is concerned."

Mr Tang noted the city is aiming for an arts and cultural district that is part of Hong Kong and part of the community. He strongly believed the consultants will bring about creative yet viable ideas with local characteristics for the district while meeting people's aspirations.