Hong Kong public broadcaster RTHK’s modernisation plans are on hold following a decision by legislators to reject a proposal for a US$787 million (HK$6.1 billion) new broadcast centre.

The Legislative Council’s public works subcommittee voted down the plan on Friday saying it was too costly.

The proposal included news studios RTHK’s existing analogue and digital radio services along with a brand new news centre, and top-notch television facilities.

So what happens now?

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the government could overrule the subcommittee and still put the plan to the full Finance Committee.

But the current quote, to move RTHK out of Broadcast Drive in Kowloon to the New Territories, runs out on March 20 so time is short.

Following Friday’s decision, Gregory So, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development was asked by one journalist whether the project would be passed to the Finance Committee?

“We will not rule out any possibility. We need to look at the situation right now, particularly in view of today’s result, before we decide the next step. I would like to ask (RTHK’s Director of Broadcasting) Roy Tang to give an account on whether the services of RTHK would be affected, and to what extent, before I proceed further,” said So.

At Friday’s vote, Tang warned that the cost would continue to rise the longer the government delayed its decision.

In 2009, when the move was first mooted, estimates suggested the new studios would cost just HK$1.6 billion.

Defending her vote against the plans, Legislator Elizabeth Quat told SCMP: “The DAB (party) is not against building a bigger headquarters for RTHK. But must it be for such an astronomical sum of money?”