Provisional Legislative Council
Panel on Broadcasting, Culture and Sport
New Sports and Recreational Venue
Introduction
This paper briefly discusses some of the considerations involved in seeking to develop a major new sports and recreational venue in Hong Kong.
Background
2.In the 1997 policy programme we have committed to studying, in 1998, the feasibility of building a major new sports and recreational venue for Hong Kong.
3.According to existing development plans, three sites have been provisionally reserved for new outdoor stadia in the territory, two in the Metro Area (one each on the West Kowloon Reclamation and in South East Kowloon) and one in the North West New Territories (i.e., Tuen Mun Area 16). Plans showing the West Kowloon, South East Kowloon and Tuen Mun sites are at Annexes I, II and III respectively. The two sites in West Kowloon and Tuen Mun are about 5.8 hectares in size. The site in South East Kowloon measures about 8.6 hectares and is intended to accommodate an outdoor stadium, an indoor recreation centre and a swimming pool complex.
Current Provision
4.Hong Kong has only one outdoor stadium with sufficient capacity to host large-scale international sporting events - the Hong Kong Stadium (capacity 40,000). But this venue has no running-track, and is subject to stringent noise controls. These factors limit the range of sports and recreational activities that can be held there.
5.Hong Kong's largest sports ground with a running track is Siu Sai Wan Sports Ground (capacity 12,000). Other similar venues in the urban area include -
| Venue |
Capacity
|
| Mong Kok Stadium |
9,000
|
| Aberdeen Sports Ground |
9,100
|
| Wan Chai Sports Ground |
3,000
|
| Sham Shui Po Sports Ground |
2,200
|
6.We also have large multi-purpose indoor arena at Hung Hom (Hong Kong Coliseum, capacity 12,500) and in Wan Chai (Queen Elizabeth Stadium, capacity 3,500).
7.In the New Territories there are sports grounds in the various districts as well as a number of indoor recreation centres provided in accordance with the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines.
Considerations
8.At present we consider that there is an obvious shortage of the following facilities -
- a large stadium (capacity over 20,000) with a running-track for international multi-sport events; and
- a purpose-built indoor venue (capacity 3 - 5,000) for international events such as badminton, table-tennis, fencing, martial arts, etc, which could also double as a training facility for national sports associations (NSAs).
9.The NSAs and the Hong Kong Sports Development Board (SDB) have commented that a lack of such facilities, managed in a way which would be responsive to the potential for bringing more top-class competition to Hong Kong, hinders their ability to develop sport in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) has also called for a new, high-quality sports and entertainment venue to be built in Hong Kong.
Current Planning Studies
10.The Planning Department has commissioned a consultancy study on guidelines for providing leisure and recreational facilities, and this will be completed in January 1998. The study is likely to allude to the need for more large-scale "territorial" sports facilities, but will emphasize that the feasibility of each such facility needs to be established on an individual basis. The basic requirements for such facilities are likely to include a grass pitch surrounded by a running track, with seating for 10,000 - 50,000 spectators.
11.The consultancy study's findings have been presented to the two Provisional Municipal Councils and the Provisional District Boards for their views. After the findings and recommendations have been endorsed by the Government, we would consider, together with relevant parties how best to take forward the concept of developing one or more major sports and recreational venues on the sites currently ear-marked for this purpose.
Other Potential Major New Sites for Recreational Use
12.Apart from the proposals outlined above, the Hong Kong Tourist Association has commissioned a consultancy on the feasibility of building an aquatic stadium in the New Territories. Two of the potential sites being considered are Pak Shek Kok and Shing Mun River in Sha Tin. The study has looked at the suitability of various sites for providing a venue for international dragon boat racing, rowing and canoeing, as well as other watersports facilities, and an arena for theatrical events and festival activities. The study will shortly identify the preferred site, and examine the development, operation and management aspects of the proposed centre.
13.Separately, the Government has commissioned a feasibility study for the development of the future Pak Shek Kok reclamation area, which would comprise a Science Park, as well as other uses, including a strategic recreational facility. The options under consideration for the 10 hectare recreational site include an aquatic centre, a sports complex, a sports stadium, a China Ecology Centre and passive recreational use. The choice of option, to be further considered, would depend partly on the facility's compatibility with the Science Park. This is a relatively long-term project, given that reclaimed land for the strategic recreational site is not scheduled to be available before 2004.
Next Steps
14.Upon endorsement of the planning study's final report referred to in paras.10 and 11 above, we will -
- consider the potential implementation programme for the building of a new venue or venues from the Public Works Programme; and
- consult the government bureaux and departments concerned on land allocation and strategic planning issues.
15.We shall also involve other interested parties, such as the SDB, NSAs and the HKTA in the project development process.
Broadcasting, Culture and Sport Bureau
23 December 1997
