2. PROJECT BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The West Kowloon Cultural District project (“Project”) is one of the programmes which will deliver up to 17 new performance and visual arts venues, museums, open spaces, education resources, commercial and retail opportunities. With funding from the Government of the Hong Kong SAR, the West Kowloon Cultural District (“WKCD”) being developed for the people of Hong Kong and visitors from around the world. The WKCD positions itself as a leading cultural brand of the future.

The Authority has completed an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study for the WKCD under the Project Consultancy District – Development Plan. The WKCD Schedule 3 EIA Report was approved on 18 November 2013 under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) (Cap. 499). The Environmental Monitoring and Audit Manual (EM&A Manual) of the Schedule 3 EIA Report requires a baseline environmental monitoring to be implemented before the commencement of construction works. The baseline environmental monitoring, in general, includes air quality impact, noise impact, landscape & visual condition survey.

The result of this baseline environmental monitoring will also be used as a baseline report before the commencement of the Schedule 2 Designated Project “Underpass Road and Austin Road Flyover serving the WKCD” to which an Environmental Permit has been issued.