The government of Hong Kong has launched a US$3.8bn project to build the territory’s biggest ever stadium complex over 28ha on the site of the old Kai Tak airport.
It has awarded the contract to build Kai Tak Sports Park, and operate it for 25 years, to Kai Tak Sports Park Ltd, a project company set up by Hong Kong conglomerate New World Development Company and its infrastructure subsidiary, NWS Holdings.
International architect Populous will work on the scheme, as will sports and entertainment group Lagardère and venue management firm SMG, the government said on 28 December.
The Hong Kong government will fund the HK$30bn (US$3.8bn) needed for construction, while Kai Tak Sports Park Ltd is required to cover operating costs and pay the government 3% of gross income, plus HK$1.7bn during operation.
Work is due to start in the first quarter of 2019, and is scheduled for completion in 2023.
The park’s central attraction will be the 50,000-seat Main Stadium, which has the theme of "Pearl of the Orient," the government said. It will have a retractable soundproof roof, and can be used for major fixtures in rugby, football and other sports, as well as concerts.
Also on the campus will be a 10,000 capacity Indoor Sports Centre, with removable seats, a 5,000-person Public Sports Ground, a health and wellness centre, retail and food outlets and other public facilities.
The park will be on land originally earmarked for residential projects to ease the territory’s housing shortage, according to the South China Morning Post.
It will be linked via a covered avenue to the adjacent Station Square, Kai Tak MTR Station and Sung Wong Toi MTR Station, and will lead to the harbour promenade.
Images courtesy of the Hong Kong government
