$3.8b to stage Games: adviser
The cost of staging the 2006 Asian Games in Hong Kong could reach $3.8 billion if the price of technology and sports equipment is included, according to a consultancy report commissioned by the Government.
Facilities were adequate, the report by Australian firm Bligh Voller Nield Sport concludes.
The firm, which helped plan and design venues for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney and evaluated the venues used in Bangkok for last year's 1998 Asian Games, estimated that the total cost of upgrading the venues could reach $2 billion.
These would include work on venues such as the Ma On Shan Stadium, Victoria Park and the Convention Centre.
The estimate does not cover rental fees or operation and staffing costs for the 41 venues scattered around the SAR. A further $1.8 billion for equipment has been estimated.
According to a paper prepared by the Home Affairs Bureau, the firm advised that: 'The pattern of Asian Games in the past indicates that the development of some new venues is 'desirable' rather than 'essential' for Hong Kong's bid for the Asian Games.' The report said that although facilities were sufficient to host the 'best ever Asian Games', improvements were needed to achieve a better result. These include the strengthening of spectator, media and competition facilities.
