Posted on October 21, 2024
Hong Kong – Arcadis, the leading global Design & Consultancy organisation for natural and built assets, welcomes the initiatives outlined in “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address” on Wednesday, October 16, which aim to sustain efforts in land creation and boosting housing supply by simplifying procedures and reducing construction costs. The organisation will fully support the implementation of these initiatives.
Create Land for New Developments and Streamline Land Development Procedures
The Government will continue to expedite land production to solve the longstanding land supply conundrum, not only for housing but also for other uses. The land development procedures will be streamlined.
The Government will expedite the implementation of economic and housing-related projects in the Northern Metropolis. This year, land will be reserved for developing the Northern Metropolis University Town, the third medical school, and an integrated teaching hospital.
The Government will also release four quality logistics sites in the Hung Shui Kiu/ha Tsuen NDA to expand high value-added logistics services. The Hong Kong-Shenzhen I&T Park in the Loop will be developed in two phases, the first-phase development will be completed in phases starting at the end of this year. The second phase will be completed in the coming five years. The Government will seek funding for the first-stage of San Tin Technopoles’ infrastructure and begin construction works this year. The target is to deliver about 20 hectares of new I&T sites in phases, beginning in 2026-27, for the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation’s development and operation.
Adopting a Multi-Pronged Approach to Lower Construction Costs
The Project Strategy and Governance Office under the Development Bureau has been entrusted with leading a strategic study to identify the major factors contributing to the high construction costs in Hong Kong and to devise improvement measures by drawing on experiences from Mainland China and international contexts. Arcadis appreciates the study as an important step toward optimising the use of public resources for infrastructure development and enhancing Hong Kong’s long-term competitiveness.
In response to the Policy Address, William Fong, Head of Cost and Commercial Management for Hong Kong & Macau at Arcadis, said, “The Government has been examining the factors influencing project costs while also assessing the respective impact of each factor. The dedicated efforts invested in this study demonstrate the Government’s commitment to improving the efficiency of project delivery.”
“In addition to streamlining land development procedures, we recognise the importance of promoting the adoption of innovative construction technologies and materials, implementing smart procurement strategies, and reassessing building design standards to enhance speed and efficiency. The effective execution of these proposed measures will require collaborative efforts from the Government, developers, consultants, contractors, and suppliers within the construction industry.” William Fong added.
Align Hong Kong Building Design Standards with Guobiao
As we review and potentially update Hong Kong’s building standards, we can consider aligning them with the best practices and industry standards in Mainland China (Guobiao) and other prominent international cities. Hong Kong has the opportunity to play a key role in establishing unified construction design standards for the Greater Bay Area and promoting the use of high-quality and cost-effective construction materials. Leveraging our robust business presence in the GBA, Arcadis is prepared to engage in this exciting initiative and offer support to the Building Technology Research Institute.
Enhancing Transport Infrastructure in the Northern Metropolis
With the commencement of the construction of Hung Shui Kiu Station and the Northern Link Main Line, we are eager to advance to the next phase of preparations for the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu-Qianhai) and initiate the detailed planning and design of the Northern Link Spur Line. “As we witness the progress of the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy and the enhanced connectivity between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, the industry can seize opportunities in areas such as cost and project management, sustainability, and business advisory,” expressed William Fong.
Continue to Promote Waste Reduction and Recycling
In 2025, Hong Kong will inaugurate the commissioning of I·PARK1, the city’s first waste-to-energy facility with the capacity to process 3,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste every day. The I·PARK1 project not only contributes to achieving the “Zero Landfill” goal but also spreadheads the adoption of innovative construction methods, including Modular Integrated Construction and the prefabrication of main electrical and mechanical equipment modules in Zhuhai. “This construction approach has elevated both the quality and efficiency standards, setting a new benchmark in excellence and operational effectiveness. We are thrilled to hear that the Government is continuing to advance the development of I·PARK 2, with the goal of achieving “Zero Landfill.” said William Fong.
