Members of the Taipa and Coloane Community Service Consultative Council yesterday urged the government to come up as soon as possible with measures in preparation for the smooth operation of its Macau Open-Air Performance Venue in Cotai.
Councillors Ho Chong Chun and Leong Chon Kit made the remarks during a regular meeting of the government-appointed council at the Seac Pai Van Community Complex in Coloane.
Yesterday’s meeting, was held behind closed doors, the start of which was open to the media, when Ho and Leong raised suggestions concerning the upcoming operation of the government’s Macau Open-Air Performance Venue, and other councillors addressed various other community issues.
The government earlier this year launched its project to set up a temporary open-air venue for hosting large-scale performances, to be located on a large plot next to the Lisboeta Macau resort in Cotai.
In June, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) announced the government’s decision to choose the 94,000-square-metre plot as the location for setting up its temporary open-air venue for hosting concerts and other performances with a capacity of 50,000 spectators. The bureau also said at that time that the temporary Macau Open-Air Performance Venue was expected to start operating next year.
The large government plot in south-east Cotai is located east of the Lisboeta Macau resort, and south of the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau complex.
Lisboeta Macau is situated east of the government-owned Macau East Asian Games Dome.
Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Elsie Ao Ieong U told reporters in June that the government expected the first performance to be held at the new facility in January or February next year.
The outdoor venue for hosting large-scale performances will only be operated on a temporary basis before the plot is finally used for its permanent purposes.
Macau’s official urban master plan, which took effect in 2022, earmarks the 94,000-square-metre plot for tourism and entertainment purposes. However, the government is yet to determine the plot’s permanent purposes and uses.
The Public Works Bureau (DSOP) launched a tender by invitation earlier this year when it asked six construction companies to bid for the Macau Open-Air Performance Venue construction project. All six companies submitted their respective bids, which were unsealed by DSOP officials early last month.
The quotations proposed by the six bidders ranged from 84.78 million patacas to 113.42 million patacas, according to the DSOP website.
After its bid assessments, the Public Works Bureau announced the winning bidder at the middle of last month. The bureau has commissioned Shing Lung Construction and Engineering Company Limited to carry out the Macau Open-Air Performance Venue construction project for a price tag of 84.78 million patacas. The construction company is required to complete the project within 107 days.
‘Too hasty’
During yesterday’s meeting, Ho said that according to his calculations based on the DSOP information, the Macau Open-Air Performance Venue construction project was expected to be completed early next year. Consequently, Ho said that the necessary preparations for the facility’s operation would be “too hasty” if the first performance would be held in February next year.
Ho noted that before the facility’s operation, various tests would have to be carried out and various contingency plans would have to be prepared, such as crowd control measures, transport measures, and security management.
Moreover, Ho also urged the government to announce more details about the equipment and facilities to be installed on the Macau Open-Air Performance Venue, as the Public Works Bureau has only announced basic details on the matter, he said.
The bureau announced certain details about the performance venue on its website last month, according to which the project will include reinforced concrete platforms on the plot as well as electromechanical systems and drainage installations. The website says that mobile multifunctional rooms will be set up to be used for various facilities such as toilets, relaxation rooms, and offices used by teams organising performances.
According to the DSOP website, the large outdoor performance facility will comprise four main areas, namely the spectators’ area on the plot’s centre, entrance and security-check area, area for the stage and its back-office support, and crowd evacuation area.
Ho also said that considering a serious accident that occurred on the stage during a concert in Hong Kong about two years ago, the local government should also come up with measures in collaboration with the respective performances’ organisers with the aim of ensuring the safety of performers.
Special bus stops, market booths
Meanwhile, councillor Leong urged the government to plan the necessary transport measures in advance before the Macau Open-Air Performance Venue starts operating.
Leong also said that the organisation of a concert with 50,000 spectators would result in a great need for transport in the area, urging the government to set up special bus stops and special car parking areas for the large outdoor performance facility.
Leong also said that the government should consider opening the carpark of the nearby Macau East Asian Games Dome to the public whenever a performance is held in the new facility.
In addition, Leong also suggested that the government earmark some areas of the large Macau Open-Air Performance Venue for the operations of market booths including those selling cooked food.
This artist’s rendition released by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) in June shows the future Macau Open-Air Performance Venue in south-east Cotai.
