Stop the delays over proposed new stadium at Kai Tak, say Hong Kong sporting stars
Former and current sporting stars urge Legco panel to approve funds over preliminary work required for proposed Kai Tak complex
Hong Kong's sports community yesterday demanded no more delays over the proposed Kai Tak Multi-Purpose Sports Complex after another fruitless meeting.
At the Legislative Council's public works subcommittee meeting, no decision was made on the government's request for HK$62.7 million for pre-construction work. After two hours' deliberation, the meeting was adjourned until May 6 - the third time the panel has discussed the matter.
The money was requested for a technical services consultancy for preparing specifications and conceptual drawing for the main work, a quantity surveying consultancy, ground investigation, utility mapping and topographic and tree surveys.
But panel members preferred to focus on a long-term sports policy for Hong Kong, whether the proposed 50,000-seater main stadium was suitable, why not use the land instead for public housing or whether the complex would become a white elephant beside Victoria Harbour.
Former badminton international Amy Chan Lim-chee, said the sports community could wait no longer.
"It's now a critical moment as we can't wait any more," said Chan, who is a member of the Sports Commission.
"When the authorities first studied the Kai Tak complex more than a decade ago, Singapore had not even mentioned construction of a sports hub. But now, our counterpart has completed its facility and we are still discussing and going back to some basic questions.
"I would like to ask the Legco members to please approve the funding as soon as possible as this will definitely benefit the sports community."
Chan's plea was echoed by former rower Fay Ho Kim-fai, who is now the deputy secretary general of the Hong Kong Schools Sports Federation.
"There is a shortage of sports facilities in Hong Kong, especially for school sports as we have to compete with many other national sports associations," said Ho. "Although not all our athletes are competing at the highest level, we also need good venues for training and grooming the young generation as they are the future of Hong Kong sport.
"Also, a world-class facility can attract more international events to Hong Kong and this can give more people the opportunity to watch top-class competition and help promote sport in the community. I sincerely hope the Legco members can listen to the voice of the sports community and endorse the project."
Hong Kong soccer team captain Chan Wai-ho said they need a well-equipped stadium. "The location of the Hong Kong Stadium is not ideal as there is no public transport access," he said. "If we can build a better stadium in Kai Tak with support facilities such as food, beverage and recreational activities, it can attract more fans and stage more international competitions against quality overseas teams."
The Kai Tak project, which was initiated in the 1990s, is expected to cost HK$25 billion, according to an estimate made last year, and is planned to be ready in 2021.
