WEST Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) is Hong Kong’s cultural quarter, featuring a blend of arts, education, and public space.
Its first finished institution – The Xiqu Centre – is dedicated to the performance of Chinese Opera (Xiqu), and will also serve as a centre for preservation and development of the variety of Chinese Opera art forms.
Aside from the Grand Theater and Tea House, the center also features a seminar hall, large and small rehearsal facilities, a recording/broadcast suite and, retail and food and beverage areas inside the atrium.
The acoustical design keeps the sound image focused precisely on the singers, which allow performers who prefer natural acoustics (without amplification) – as is the case for some mainland traditions – to work with the supportive, but clear, room acoustic.
Aside from the center, five art and cultural institutions are also being integrated to the area.
Duncan Pescod, director of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, previously told local media that the site would house some 50 individual spaces where performances, exhibitions, workshops and different events will be held.
The initial budget of the 40-hectare space stands at HKD21.6 billion.
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