According to Theatreplan partner, Dave Ludlam, the opportunity to expand into Hong Kong was not to be missed. "It was clear that in order to deliver the best possible service to the WKCDA, we needed a base in Hong Kong," he explained. "In addition to the enhanced service we can provide to the Black Box project, it also offers us the opportunity for wider expansion into the region. Hong Kong is the perfect hub for a business looking to develop into Asia-Pacific markets, and we believe that the Far East offers us an excellent opportunity to secure growth for the company."
The development of the West Kowloon Cultural District (managed by the WKCDA) is an important project in Hong Kong. Stretching across 40 hectares of a dramatic waterfront location, the project is to create one of the world's largest cultural quarters, developing art, education and public space.
In a similar vein, Theatreplan is also working with Hong Kong-based Rocco Design Architects to create the Cross District Community Cultural Centre, a new multi-auditoria venue in Hong Kong's Kwun Tong district designed to serve as a hub for theatrical, dance performance and community events for no less than five different districts of eastern Hong Kong. The opening of a Hong Kong office for Theatreplan which is already directly associated with both projects is thus timely and opportune.
"We are now ideally placed to service both ongoing and upcoming theatre and performing arts projects both within the immediate vicinity of the West Kowloon Cultural District and beyond," added partner, Mathew Smethurst-Evans. "We are also extremely lucky to have Robin Auld spearheading operations for us in Hong Kong. He is a highly experienced theatre consultant with wide-ranging technical knowledge accrued from stints with The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden and Opera Australia amongst others."
(Jim Evans)
