In response to urgent requests from a number of exhibition organisers for "more space!", the HKCEC has completed a new project that takes an innovative approach to how the Centre's infrastructure is utilised. Instead of adding space by creating temporary floor areas, architects and designers turned their thoughts on the possibilities for creating 'dual-purpose' space in the Centre itself. The result: a bold scheme that can transform existing car-park areas into temporary exhibition space whenever required. The plan has created a car-park-to-exhibition-hall transformation that's added an extra 350 exhibition stands, available for events with particularly strong exhibitor demand.

The car park conversion, costing HK$70 million, makes an extra 6,996 square metres available for those really big shows at the Centre. When the additional space is not needed, though, it's a simple matter to turn the whole area back into a car park again. The new area has easy escalator access, a comfortable lobby, relaxing lighting systems, is fully air-conditioned and well-ventilated, and is equipped with the latest in data communications technology including internet broadband and wireless LAN connections.

The new space, called 'Expo Drive Hall', first came into use this April in time for the Hong Kong Gifts and Premium Fair. For that event, the new hall became a complete themed zone 'Kid's World', and the organiser (the Hong Kong Trade Development Council) marketed the hall as a 'must-see' area of this popular exhibition. At least three 'mega-exhibitions' also have plans to use this space in 2006, and we expect demand to grow. Together with the HKCEC's multi-million dollar expansion scheme (see the cover story of our last issue), the Centre is poised to become the preferred choice for Hong Kong's biggest exhibitions, and for anyone wanting the best in quality exhibition space at the heart of this vibrant city.