Current interior of Grand Prix Museum
Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) presented the remodeling concepts for the Macao Grand Prix Museum to members of the media today (21 July). In view of the scale and complexity of the remodeling project, MGTO made a down-to-earth estimate of the remodeling costs based on current market price as reference. MGTO will keep upholding the principle of effective use of public funds, maintaining information transparency and listening to different opinions to improve its work. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Deputy Director Cheng Wai Tong, Engineer Diamantino Torrado and Architect Filipe Coutinho met with the media at the Tourism Activities Centre, where they presented the remodeling concepts for the Macao Grand Prix Museum and the plan of the remodeling project. MGTO plans to remodel the entire five-storey building of the Tourism Activities Centre into the Macao Grand Prix Museum. After remodeling, the total gross floor area of the Museum will be expanded six-times to a total of 16,000 square meters, with a significantly greater capacity for visitors. To date, the market reference price for the remodeling expenses is 19,000 patacas per square meter. Based on the reference price, it is estimated that the remodeling project will cost 304 million patacas in total. MGTO will invite public tenders for the entire project in accord with the law. Considering that the Tourism Activities Centre has been utilized for over two decades as well as the conditions of the foundation of the building which is joined to the Centre, MGTO decided to adopt the remodeling method. After professional evaluation in engineering, the Office decided to remodel the building while maintaining its core structure. The project involves a multitude of reconstructions and system installations, which increases its level of complexity. The remodeling project mainly consists of “consultation service for electrical and mechanical equipment plan, fire protection plan, air conditioning and ventilation system plan, structural plan, water supply, drainage and piping system plan” as well as the construction work. Among them, the Office has completed the procedure of public service procurement for the consultation service, whereas the Office expects to invite public tenders for the construction work early next year, with hope that the Museum will be opened to the public by the end of 2018. MGTO hopes to remodel the Tourism Activities Centre into an interactive museum that is brand-new, practical and energy-saving. According to the Office’s plan, the remodeled museum is expected to feature racing vehicle display, movie theatre, wax figure zone, cultural and creative zone as well as family interactive zone, aiming to raise visitors’ and residents’ awareness and interest of the Grand Prix with simulated experience in car racing as well. Opened in 1994, the Tourism Activities Centre is a facility under MGTO’s management as part of the multifunctional structure of the Macau Forum. The whole architecture consists of five floors including its basement with major facilities such as Grand Prix Museum, Wine Museum, exhibition hall and conference hall. Macau Grand Prix is a tourism gem and signature event that boasts significant historical value in Macao. MGTO will effectively leverage the unique brand of Macau Grand Prix to promote Macao and raise the destination’s profile.
