Temporary closure of concourse at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre announced Special arrangements temporary closure of concourse

Temporary closure of concourse at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre announced Special arrangements will ensure minimum inconvenience for event attendees

(Hong Kong, 21 July 2008) Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre Management Ltd (HML), the management and operating company of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), today announced a temporary closure of the HKCEC's Hall 1 Concourse (the indoor pedestrian walkway between the Centre's two phases). The closure will go into effect for a six-week period starting from 6 August to 14 September, 2008.

Special arrangements for pedestrian access to and from the Expo Drive Entrance (Phase 2) of HKCEC have been made for the closure period to minimize any inconvenience to attendees at ongoing trade fairs and events.

A spokesperson for the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), which is overseeing the current expansion of the HKCEC, said that the temporary closure is necessary to facilitate the construction of this extraordinarily complex project. He added that the HKTDC, HML and the contractors are working closely to make the new facilities of this current expansion project available as quickly as possible and to maximize their benefits for attendees of future events. The project is making good progress towards its scheduled completion date of spring 2009.

Mr Eugene Yau, organizer of The 16th International Baby/Children Products Expo and 20th Hong Kong Baby Crawling Contest (8-10 August), said, "We have been working closely with HML to develop an interim plan for the attendees. We are supportive of the special arrangements and are confident that this year's Expo will proceed without any major inconvenience." This Expo is one of the first and largest events during the period affected by the closure.

HKCEC Managing Director Cliff Wallace said that the interim plan provides a temporary outdoor pedestrian route which will be covered where possible; regular shuttle bus service between the Harbour Road Entrance (Phase 1) and Expo Drive Entrance (Phase 2) at specified times; and direct public bus service (by Citybus 25R) between the Expo Drive Entrance and United Centre Bus Terminus in Admiralty.

Around 40 events will be held during the affected period. Mr Wallace said, No event will utilize both phases of the HKCEC during the interim period, which is why we chose this time to close the concourse. What's more, the Expo Drive or Harbour Road Entrance can be reached by taxi for direct access to the various event venues."

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The HKCEC is managed and operated by a private professional management company, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (HML). HML is a member of NWS Holdings Limited. NWS Holdings Limited ("NWS Holdings", Hong Kong stock code: 659), the infrastructure and service flagship of New World Development Company Limited (Hong Kong stock code: 17), embraces a diversified range of businesses in Hong Kong, Mainland China and Macau. Its Infrastructure portfolio includes Roads, Energy, Water and Ports projects. Its Service & Rental division comprises Facilities Rental (the management of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and ATL Logistics Centre), Contracting (Hip Hing Construction and NWS Engineering), Financial Services (Taifook Securities and New World Insurance) and Other Services (New World First Bus, Citybus and New World First Ferry).