Stadium redevelopment presents a good opportunity

While the fate of Hong Kong Stadium has become clearer, an absence of full details makes it is difficult to assess whether the redevelopment is on the right track. The government should engage with stakeholders to make sure the revamped venue suits future needs

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Hong Kong Stadium at Causeway Bay. Photo: Sam Tsang

SCMP Editorial

Editorials represent the views of the South China Morning Post on the issues of the day.

Published: 11:30am, 14 Nov 2021

The fate of Hong Kong Stadium – the city’s largest but underutilised outdoor multipurpose venue – has become clearer. The latest news is that the proposal to downsize it into a 9,000-seat sports ground may be able to fulfil noise control and traffic impact requirements, according to consultancy studies.

But in the absence of full details at this stage, it is difficult to assess whether the redevelopment is on the right track. The government should continue to closely engage stakeholders and ensure the venue will suit future needs.

The future of the 68-year-old stadium in So Kon Po has long been called into question after the government decided to build a 50,000-seat sports park at the old Kai Tak airport. Even before the onslaught of the Covid-19 epidemic, the 40,000-seat stadium has been primarily used for Rugby Sevens and some football matches.

It was also occasionally used for religious events and pop concerts, with the latter drawing noise complaints from people in the upscale residential neighbourhood. The need for a revamp has become even more evident as major sports events are expected to move to Kai Tak after it opens in 2023.

It is good to hear that the downsized stadium would still play a role in the local sports scene. According to the government, the venue will still be available at a lower booking fee for smaller events in future, such as interschool athletic meets as well as local and regional football matches.