A briefing on policies of protecting and repurposing old factory buildings for use as cultural spaces was held in Beijing on Dec 18, according to local officials.

The initiative aims to promote the release of space in the capital city to help with the construction of national cultural center.

Officials said representatives from local authorities discussed the policy, gave consultations and carried out Q & A session on the Guideline on Protecting and Utilizing Old Factory Buildings to Expand Cultural Spaces and related subjects.

They said the event attracted the participation of over 200 representatives from government departments and pilot project units of all districts.

At the meeting, officials from the State-owned Cultural Assets Administration Center of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality -- or the SOCAAC -- were present.

They gave their overall interpretation of the guidelines for protecting and repurposing the old factory buildings.

Officials said the participating enterprises said the briefing helped them clarify the process and provided practical guidance for the companies.