The new Kai Tak Sports Park (啟德體育園) (“Kai Tak”) is a miracle by the people of Hong Kong. It fits into what 2 great designers have said. David Adjaye said, “Buildings are deeply emotive structures which form our psyche.” Rem Koolhaas said, “The acceptance of certain realities doesn’t preclude idealism. It can lead to certain breakthroughs.”
Kai Tak is big, but not that big by international standard in terms of space. The architect is yet able to keep imaginatively all ideal structures very well-organised and clutter-free. Kai Tak finally ends up in very delightful space and functional facilities.
The Sports Park compresses much…sports, shopping, great food, playground, events …in a relatively small space and adds freedom, a sense of freedom to be exact, thus multiplying the different levels of emotional joy that the place can offer. I feel not being in Hong Kong when being there: am I in Tokyo or Chicago with the beautiful wind blowing in my face?
The Park is a multi-purpose sports venue built at the site of the former Kai Tak Airport which was closed down in 1998. I visited the airport when I was a boy and wondered when I could fly in an aircraft. The project has been planned and built for almost 30 years. With an area of about 28 hectares, the place provides a world-class sports destination with other impressive supporting establishments. The Park contains a stadium with a retractable roof for 50,000 people, an indoor sports center for 10,000 and an open sports ground providing 5,000 seats. The ambition is surely not a white elephant in spite of costing more than HK$30 billion. Apart from the shopping malls consisting of more than 200 shops and dining outlets, a hotel will be there to house international athletes and visitors from other countries. The Park even incorporates a bowling centre and a wellness village.
I worked in some government committees in the 2000s. Our committee was consulted again and again by the planning group of Kai Tak. At that time, the environment of Hong Kong was quite political and some politicians said the Park was a big waste of money. I supported the great vision of having an international stadium in Hong Kong. It would boost excitingly the cultural and sports tourism of our city. In retrospect, it was a pity that the consultation has dragged for almost 15 years. Luckily, 3 persons, playing a pivotal role, successfully made the Kai Tak today come true.
Betty Fung, an able and responsible government official, managed to overcome all difficulties and finished a meticulous public tender inviting investors to build Kai Tak. Adrian Cheng, a visionary and ambitious businessman, took up the project. He successfully conceptualize artistically what were needed and turned them into magical reality. LK Lam, the head in charge of Kai Tak, is an architect and capable executive. She knew that it was the little details that were vital. Little things could make big differences happen. She carefully and diligently worked, all day and all night, to discharge her duties.
Kai Tak Sports Park is certainly a proud and spectacular accomplishment of Hong Kong. Apart from our international airport, this is the second public infrastructure appreciated by the world. With your dress poised for the mirror, please do get ready to pay a visit to Kai Tak and the adventure is 100% worth it!
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