"The Urban Council will shortly provide Hong Kong with its first open-air theatre , featuring tennis courts and gardens, with an estimated cost of around $16 million. The project is designated for Ko Shan Road. Hunghom According to the South China Morning Post on June 27, 1978, "The theater will have a capacity for 3,000 spectators. Out of these, 1,000 seats will be indoors, with the rest outdoors. This project is being conceptualized and crafted by consulting architects appointed by the government[...]. Construction work is anticipated to commence by the end of this year."
On March 30, 1983, the Post stated that "the Chief Secretary, Sir Philip Haddon-Cave has unveiled one of the Urban Council’s latest and largest initiatives—the Ko Shan Road Park and Theatre Complex. Located on a 5.5-hectare plot adjacent to Ko Shan Road, which was previously a quarry, this new development includes a contemporary 3000-seat outdoor theater along with an innovative public park equipped with gardens, a play area, and sporting amenities. The construction process spanned two years and cost approximately $50 million.
The theater stands as the inaugural facility specifically constructed for outdoor performances in Hong Kong. Spanning across 2,500 square meters, this venue boasts a sizable 150-square-meter stage equipped with advanced lighting, audio, and visual projection technology, along with an orchestra pit capable of accommodating between 70 to 80 performers. Both the stage and approximately 1,000 seats within the crescent-shaped seating arrangement offer protection from the elements, whereas roughly 2,000 additional seats remain exposed to the outdoors. Designed for hosting multiple types of shows, it serves as a versatile space for different kinds of productions. Cantonese opera , orchestral concerts, pop as well as variety shows, theatrical productions, and dance performances.
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Sir Philip mentioned that recent changes in local governance should allow the administration to more effectively address the recreational requirements of specific regions. In this section of Kowloon Public entertainment spaces—be they for popular music concerts or Cantonese opera—are limited in quantity, and we still lack adequate sports facilities of various types. With its advanced equipment and substantial supporting amenities, the Ko Shan Theatre will significantly address the scarcity of performance venues. Moreover, I'm confident that its illuminated mini-soccer field and tennis courts will see extensive use.
Sir Philip revealed a commemorative plaque for the opening of the facility. Following this, he attended the inaugural show at the new theater, performed by the Hong Kong Dance Company.
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The article initially appeared on the South ChinaMorning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China andAsia.
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