Hong Kong Government awards contract for Kai Tak Sports Park development

December 28, 2018

The Hong Kong Government has announced that its long-awaited HK$30 billion (US$3.8 billion) sports complex planned for the site of the former Kai Tak airport will be designed, built and run by a subsidiary of local property developer New World Development.

More than a decade after the plan for a new stadium and sports hub was announced for the site, the development of the 28-hectare complex follow years of consideration over costs, designs and the Hong Kong Government’s level of involvement in the project.

Kai Tak Sports Park Ltd’s winning bid for the design, construction and operation of the Kai Tak Sports Park follows an open tendering exercise. Its project team includes Populous, SMG and Lagardère Sports – each recognised for their experience in the design and operation of large scale international projects as well as the management of major sports venues.

Developing a venue that promises to enhance Hong Kong’s ability to attract world-class events, a Hong Kong Government spokesperson advised today “the Kai Tak Sports Park, occupying 28 hectares of land, is the Government's most important investment in sports infrastructure in recent decades. When completed, it will become the biggest sports venue in Hong Kong.

“We are looking forward to working closely with Kai Tak Sports Park Ltd's team to create a world class sports park with high quality facilities for the use and enjoyment of the sports sector and the Hong Kong community.”

The design by Kai Tak Sports Park Ltd consists of a covered Kai Tak Sports Avenue running in the north-south orientation as the main axis, connecting all key facilities of the Sports Park with the adjacent Station Square, Kai Tak MTR Station and Sung Wong Toi MTR Station and leading to the harbour front promenade.

The focal point of the Sports Park will be a 50,000-seat main stadium, with a soundproof retractable roof and flexible pitch surface that will host major football and rugby games. Through the installation of separation drapes, stage setting and various equipment, the stadium can also be used for hosting entertainment and community events of a different nature and scale.

The Indoor Sports Centre will provide a large multipurpose space, and with most of its 10,000 seats retractable or removable it is not only suitable for hosting major competitions but will also provide many indoor sports courts for everyday community use. The 5,000-seat Public Sports Ground is suitable for hosting school athletics meetings, athletics training and local football league games. It will also be open to the public free of charge for jogging and exercise.

The Kai Tak Sports Park will also provide large open space for public enjoyment, with facilities such as outdoor ball courts, open lawn areas, children's play areas, fitness stations and more. Other facilities in the precinct include a health and wellness centre, a bowling centre, retail, food and beverage outlets and about 850 parking spaces.

The precinct will include various energy conservation and sustainability design features such as a photovoltaic system, roof greening, vertical greening and parking spaces with electric vehicle charging facilities. There are also smart city initiatives including an intelligent building management system, Wi-Fi hot spots, an indoor positioning system, an intelligent car park management system and mobile applications to facilitate precinct information, booking of facilities and wayfinding.

The contract for the Kai Tak Sports Park is for 25 years, including four to five years for design and construction and approximately 20 years of operation. The Hong Kong Government will fund the construction cost of HK$29.993 billion (US$3.79 billion), while Kai Tak Sports Park Ltd is required to cover all operating costs and pay the Government 3% of the gross income plus HK$1.724 billion (US$217 million) during the operation period.

The construction works will commence in the first quarter of 2019 and are scheduled for completion in 2023. When it commences operation, the Kai Tak Sports Park will provide high quality sports facilities to support the future sports development of Hong Kong.

With the 40,000 capacity Hong Kong Stadium ageing, the Chinese Administrative Region has struggled to attract high-profile events over recent years compared to regional rivals.

A report compiled by financial services giant KPMG and the Business of Sport Network in September ranked the city behind Tokyo, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore for its events portfolio.

More information can be found on the project website at www.KaiTakSportsPark.hk.

Images: Artist’s impression of the Kai Tak Sports Park (top), the main stadium (middle) and the Park's Indoor Sports Centre (below).

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