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.