Hong Kong has tightened rental and operating rules for a new waterfront event space in Hung Hom following a hot-air balloon fiasco in September that left customers frustrated after the organiser failed to obtain a licence for its advertised rides.
The Development Bureau on Monday also said that it had beefed up the terms and requirements in quotation documents to place a “heavier onus” on the operator for the use of The Pier, the former Hung Hom railway freight yard.
The announcement included a call for bids to operate The Pier, with the successful bidder responsible for the development, operation, management and maintenance of the space for about three years.
The bureau said that following the fiasco in Central, it had tightened the terms for operating the Hung Hom venue.
The operator will be required to monitor event organisers and establish communication and alert mechanisms that would allow the bureau to intervene when necessary.
The winning bidder would be required to assess the credentials and experience of an organiser, the feasibility of proposed events before confirming applications, and submit regular assessment reports.
It should also closely monitor the progress of event preparation and alert the bureau of licence applications and ticketing arrangements.
