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Architects: Populous
Lead Architects: Richard Breslin and James Pearce
Design Team: Paul Foskett, Paul Henry, Chris Hardie, Nathan Tobeck, Janice Lau, Ismael Merchan, Andrew Crutcher, Alex Goldston, Chris Hutchinson, and Siddharth Soni
Design and Build Contractor: Hip Hing Construction Co., Ltd.
Contracted Party (design, Build and Operate): Kai Tak Sports Park Limited
Client: Culture Sports and Tourism Bureau, HKSAR                                                                                                      Photographs: Courtesy of the Client

Hong Kong's new, state-of-the-art sports complex accelerates the advancement of sports in the city. On a local scale, it provides a high-quality sporting precinct for the region's 7.4 million residents. Beyond that, the stunning 50,000-seat main stadium puts Hong Kong firmly on the map as a global center for major international events.

Nestled in a parkland setting with Hong Kong's iconic Lion Rock as its backdrop, the new Kai Tak Sports Park is a 28-hectare urban oasis, where cutting-edge sports venues sit alongside retail, wellness, recreational and community spaces. With a master plan and architecture designed by Populous, the precinct revolves around the bold and unique Kai Tak Sports Avenue, a pedestrian walk that flows through indoor and outdoor spaces. Starting at Station Square, it takes patrons all the way across the immense site, connecting key facilities through to the harbour front promenade and the Dining Cove, which overlooks Victoria Harbour — one of the most recognizable views in the world.

The focal point of the Sports Park is the 50,000-seat Main Stadium, with “Pearl of the Orient” as its facade design theme. Our initial designs for this facade required over 47,000 panels made up of 8,000 different shapes and sizes. Using parametric design techniques, we were able to rationalize this down to 27,000 panels, with only two different panel types — a much more efficient and cost-effective design. Each aluminum panel is specially coated for durability, with self-cleaning capabilities. Combined on the venue's exterior, the effect of all those panels creates a shimmering pearlescent form that changes color with the natural light, shifting from cobalt blue to metallic purple and silver throughout the day. Viewed from the bay, it adds an instantly recognisable new landmark to Hong Kong's famous waterfront skyline.

Inside the stadium, a soundproof retractable roof ensures spectator comfort whatever the weather, while a flexible pitch surface can adapt from natural turf for football and rugby games, to an artificial surface for other sports and events. Through the installation of separation drapes, customisable staging and seating configurations, the stadium can also be used to host entertainment and community events in a range of scales.

The Indoor Sports Centre is a large multipurpose space, and, with most of its 10,000 seats retractable or removable, it is not only suitable for hosting major competitions but will also provide many indoor sports courts for everyday community use. The 5,000-seat Public Sports Ground is suitable for hosting school athletics meetings, athletics training and local football league games. It will also be open to the public free of charge for jogging and exercise.

Kai Tak Sports Park also provides large open space for public enjoyment, with facilities such as outdoor ball courts, open lawn areas, children's play areas, fitness stations and more. Other facilities in the precinct include a health and wellness center, bowling center, retail, F&B outlets and 850 parking spaces. The Sports Park is easily accessible from most corners of the city, via the Station Square and two public transport interchanges. It's a 10-minute walk from the newly planned Kai Tak and Song Wong Toi MTR stations and walking distance of the Kowloon City Ferry. Pedestrian walkways connect the Park to new developments in To Kwa Wan, Ma Tau Kok, Kowloon City and Kai Tak.

https://populous.com/showcases/kai-tak-sports-park