HONG
KONG, Oct. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Arcadis, the
leading global Design & Consultancy organization for natural
and built assets, welcomes the initiatives recently outlined
in "The Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address", which aim to
sustain efforts in land creation and boosting housing supply by
simplifying procedures and reducing construction costs. Arcadis
will fully support the implementation of these initiatives.
Create Land for New Developments and Streamline
Procedures
The Government will continue to expedite land production to
solve the land supply conundrum, not only for housing but for other
uses. 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 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, starting at the end of this year. 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 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 major factors contributing to high construction costs and
to devise improvement measures by drawing on experiences from
Mainland China and internationally. Arcadis appreciates the study
as an important step toward optimizing the use of public resources
for infrastructure development and enhancing long-term
competitiveness.
In response, 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
recognize 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
measures will require collaboration from the Government,
developers, consultants, contractors, and suppliers."
Align Hong Kong Building Design Standards with
Guobiao
As Hong Kong reviews and
potentially updates its building standards, we should consider
aligning them with best practices and industry standards in
Mainland China (Guobiao) and other prominent international cities.
Hong Kong can 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 its robust business presence,
Arcadis is prepared to engage in this initiative and support to
Building Technology Research Institute.
Enhancing Transport Infrastructure in the Northern
Metropolis
With construction of Hung Shui Kiu Station and the Northern Link
Main Line commencing, Arcadis is 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.
William Fong
added: "As we witness 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."
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 tons of
municipal solid waste daily.
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.
William Fong concluded:
"This construction approach has elevated both the quality and
efficiency standards, setting a new benchmark in
excellence and operational
effectiveness."
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