The team behind Kai Tak Sports Park, a wide-ranging sports and entertainment precinct under construction in Hong Kong, has released updated renderings of the project, which will be anchored by a 50,000-seat stadium.
The sports park, which is due to be completed in 2023, has been designed by Populous and will be operated by ASM Global.
The precinct will be located beside the harbour at Hong Kong’s Kowloon Bay, and fresh images of the main stadium and main plaza have been released today (Tuesday). The new designs have been influenced by the location of the complex, which is designed to be a unique year-round destination with multi-purpose facilities.
Populous has been working with ASM Global to ensure the best experience for fans and patrons and deliver long-term viability for Kai Tak Sports Park.
The canopy above the complex’s main plaza will link the main stadium with the indoor sports centre, creating a large outdoor event space capable of hosting a range of temporary events and festivals. The central opening in the canopy roof will also provide a view of the main stadium to create a sense of anticipation as patrons arrive.
Richard Breslin, senior principal and director of Populous, said: “We are excited to be able to share new images of Kai Tak Sports Park, to paint the picture of these world-class facilities for the community as well as for international visitors to Hong Kong. Nothing of the scale or level of integration between community, sports, entertainment and retail facilities designed for Kai Tak Sports Park exists anywhere else in the world.”
Darren Burden, executive director of ASM Global, added: “Kai Tak Sports Park will transform the sports landscape in Hong Kong. ASM Global will bring world-class sports and entertainment events and deliver an outstanding experience to fans and clients alike. The new renders provide a tantalising glimpse as to what that experience will look and feel like and we can’t wait to start delivering events.”
Kai Tak Sports Park will be the largest sports infrastructure in Hong Kong and is being designed around a sports avenue that runs through the precinct, providing easy navigation and accessibility to all parts of the complex.
The 50,000-seat stadium is inspired by Hong Kong’s reputation as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ and features a retractable roof, flexible pitch system and a South Stand window overlooking Victoria Harbour.
The adjacent indoor sports centre will be able to host community sports and events of up to 10,000 seats. Eighty per cent of the seats in the main arena are retractable, allowing the public to use up to 40 badminton courts.
A public sports ground designed for community sports, sports days, training sessions and domestic competitions will also be offered at Kai Tak Sports Park and will include 5,000 spectator seats. The venues will be complemented by extensive public open spaces for events and leisure, along with a health and wellness centre, bowling alley and harbourfront dining spaces.
The Hong Kong government awarded the contract for the design, construction and operation of the complex to Kai Tak Sports Ltd, a subsidiary of New World Development and NWS Holdings established specifically for the project, at the end of 2018.
The HK$30bn (£2.89bn/€3.17bn/$3.87bn) project, which is being built at the site of the former Kai Tak Airport, was first mooted in 2005.
Images: Kai Tak Sports Park Limited and Populous
