Theatre complex launch could boost performing arts income, says Hong Kong hub

Income from performing arts spaces in Hong Kong’s premier cultural hub could improve with the opening of a new 2,320-seat theatre complex next year, the head of the area’s managing body has said, following last year’s financial woes.

A paper submitted to the Legislative Council revealed that the cost recovery rate for the West Kowloon Cultural District’s performing arts division stood at 30 per cent for the financial year ending on March 31, lower than the 44 per cent rate for the contemporary art museum M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum.

The rate measures how much a venue contributes to its operating costs.

“[The Xiqu Centre and Freespace] rely mainly on ticket sales for income. There is no revenue from food and beverage or retail, or venue rental for functions,” Betty Fung Ching Suk-yee, CEO of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, said on Monday.

The two facilities have a combined seating capacity of 1,650.

Fung said the new WestK Performing Arts Centre, which is set to open next year, would have three theatres with a total capacity of 2,320, in addition to housing a banquet hall able to accommodate about 300 guests and providing other food and beverage options.

“We expect that when it opens, the cost recovery rate for the performing arts could increase as there will be more space and more facilities to rent out. We have confidence that it would be higher than the existing 30 per cent,” she said.