Kai Tak Sports Hub - funding approval delayed again after Legco Finance Committee adjourns meeting
Councillors fail to discuss the HK$62.7 million for pre-construction work after six hours of debate on three agenda items
Approval of HK$62.7 million in funding for pre-construction work to be done on the Kaitak sports hub has been delayed yet again after the Legislative Council Finance Committee was adjourned on Fruday night without even discussing the topic.
The funding approval for the Kai Tak Multi-purpose Sports Complex (MPSC) was item number seven on the agenda, but councillors only managed to complete discussions – which lasted six hours – on three items before the meeting was adjourned to July 3.
On Thursday, the government had been optimistic the HK$62.7 million would finally be granted on the proposed MPSC, despite warnings of a lengthy and controversial debate.
Senior official Jonathan McKinley is hoping it will be passed swiftly so work can start on the new hub, which will have a 50,000-seater stadium with a retractable roof by 2021.
Once the funding is approved, we will be able to issue tenders for pre-construction work
"We are expecting this item to be discussed at the Legco Finance Committee on Friday," said McKinley, deputy secretary for Home Affairs, on Thursday. "Once the funding is approved, we will be able to issue tenders for pre-construction work.
"We can then appoint technical and quantity surveying consultants who will help us scope out the technical issues related to the development of the complex and provide a detailed cost estimate for the main design, construction and operation contract," McKinley said.
