The Development Bureau on Monday reopened bids for a vacant pier in Hung Hom to turn it into a short-term harbourfront event space, with tougher rules for operators.

The bureau said tenders will be accepted until January 22 for the former Hung Hom Freight Yard Pier.

A small adjacent plot has been added to the site, expanding it to 1.8 hectares in size.

The successful operator will be able to use the space for about three years.

In a statement, the bureau said it relaunched the tender to strengthen venue-management provisions following the hot-air-balloon incident at the Central Harbourfront Event Space in September.

That event saw tickets sold before permits were secured, with customers hoping to experience a hot-air-balloon ride demanding refunds.

Under the new terms, the operator must now vet the capability and experience of any event organiser, submit regular progress reports to the bureau, and monitor preparations, including ticketing and licensing.

The operator and organisers must also meet the bureau before each event to confirm final arrangements.

The bureau stressed these measures will ensure smoother operations and better safeguard consumer rights.

It added that the aim is to achieve a phased opening for the site in the first quarter of next year.

Once the short-term tenancy comes to an end, the site will be redeveloped as part of a broader plan to transform the Hung Hom waterfront area into a major harbourfront landmark.