Construction of the Ko Shan Theatre Annex Building

Location Map of the Ko Shan Theatre Annex Building

Support for Cantonese Opera
It is the Government's policy to support the development of Cantonese opera in Hong Kong. To address the concerns of the Cantonese Opera Advisory Committee, established by the Home Affairs Bureau in 2004, in regard to the high level of demand from the Cantonese opera sector for performance venues, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) introduced a series of booking measures for Cantonese opera troupes. These measures include a special advance booking service at the Ko Shan Theatre and priority booking for specific periods at major performance venues of LCSD.

To further address the sector's concerns over the shortage of venues for performance, training and practice, the Government is constructing an annex building for the Ko Shan Theatre at an estimated cost of $683.2 million to provide a medium-sized theatre and facilities for rehearsals, training and other activities related to Cantonese opera. The site preparatory works started in November 2010 and the construction of the Annex Building is expected to be completed in June 2013.

Ko Shan Theatre Annex Building
The project site, originally occupied by 4 tennis courts in the Ko Shan Road Park, has an area of 4,000 square metres (m²). The 5-storey Annex Building has an auditorium with a seating capacity of 600 and a stage equipped with a fly tower and other modern stage equipment. Other supporting and ancillary facilities include rehearsal rooms, singing practice rooms, a multi-purpose function room, an exhibition hall, a photographic studio, a resource centre, a tea house, a souvenir shop, a basement car park and a roof garden, etc.

The new 600-seat auditorium at the Annex Building of the Ko Shan Theatre is suitable for medium-scale performances, experimental productions and performances by budding troupes. Together with the existing 1,031-seat theatre, it is expected that the new medium-sized auditorium will further enhance the Ko Shan Theatre’s functions as a dedicated venue for Cantonese opera for both established and budding Cantonese opera artists/troupes for performances, training, rehearsals and research.

While the Annex Building at the Ko Shan Theatre will be a dedicated venue for Cantonese opera with a priority venue hiring policy for Cantonese opera performances, it will also be open to other arts and community events. It is anticipated that other performing troupes, district arts bodies and schools will welcome the new theatre and the ancillary facilities for holding various arts and community activities.

Construction commencement date: 21 January 2011
Anticipated completion date: 30 June 2013

Panel on Home Affairs (14 May 2010)
Public Works Subcommittee of Finance Committee (2 June, 2010)

Construction Nuisances to Hirers and Theatre Users
Temporary segregation measures for pedestrians are imposed at the access areas to Ko Shan Theatre for safety concern due to frequent incoming of construction vehicles to the work site of the Annex. Please click here for the indicated routings to the Ko Shan Theatre.

Please note that noisy work due to construction of the Annex will last from now to mid 2012 (7am – 7pm from Monday to Saturday except public holidays). The above project will inevitably produce noise nuisances to hiring units and may affect operation in the Ko Shan Theatre. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Owing to the construction of the Annex Building, the number of car parking space at the Ko Shan Theatre will be reduced and re-positioned from 1 January 2011 onwards. There will also be new arrangement on access of coach to the Theatre. Proper signage will be displayed and our staff would be pleased to provide assistance to hirers and patrons as necessary.

Enquiries: 2740-9216.

Enquiries on Construction
Hotline: 2773-9569 (Gammon Construction Limited)
Email: koshan.theatre@gammonconstruction.com