The development of the West Kowloon Cultural District cannot be split to ensure continuity of the project, Deputy Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands Thomas Tso says.

Speaking on a radio talk show today, Mr Tso said as the project involved huge investment, it could be developed by a consortium rather than a single developer.

Mr Tso said that the project is aimed to turn the West Kowloon Reclamation site into a world-class cultural attraction, adding that it is not a property development project.

He said, apart from cultural items, the project will also include commercial and retail developments, and a pedestrian transportation system.

He said he is satisfied that 10 indications of interest have been received for the development of the West Kowloon Cultural District.

Speaking in the same programme, Deputy Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Choi Suk-kuen said the project will help improve the quality of life of the public of the local residents, adding that it will also increase the attractiveness of Hong Kong.

She stressed that interested developers are required to state clearly in their submissions the concept of the development and charges that will be laid on various facilities.

Awarding development and management rights in one go is the best option, she said, however, the Government does not rule out the possibility of not granting the management contract to the developer.