Kai Tak bidders sought
The government is inviting preliminary applications for the design and building of the cruise terminal building at Kai Tak.
Application details have been gazetted. Forms can be obtained from the Architectural Services Department and must be submitted by March 31. The department will then 'prequalify' four candidates to take part in the tender exercise.
The Tourism Commission said it was working simultaneously to prepare for the invitation of tenders for the site formation and the cruise terminal building. The move will shorten the construction lead time.
The government will seek funding approval from the Legislative Council later this year for carrying out the site formation work, which is expected to begin before the end of the year. It is hoped the first berth can begin operation by mid-2013.
A Development Bureau spokesman said the 320-hectare development would include residential and commercial buildings, a sports stadium, a cruise terminal and a park. The site has been vacant since the new airport opened in 1998.
The Kai Tak project - drawn up 10 years ago with plans to reclaim about 200 hectares - underwent a major review in 2004 after a court ruled that harbour reclamation had to pass a test of overriding public need. The development scale was reduced to avoid reclamation, and building heights were lowered.
