South East Kowloon Development Statement Study comprises one of the largest, most challenging urban redevelopment sites in the world. It is an area of 600 acres in the heart of Hong Kong, including the former airport at Kai Tak, surrounding old urban areas, and an area of Kowloon Bay suitable for reclamation. SQW were commissioned as part of a consortium led by Llewelyn Weeks Planning to prepare a Outline Master Development Plan for the entire area, covering urban form and structure for the new development areas, redevelopment and upgrading proposals for the old urban areas institutional mechanisms for implementation, economic impact and financial aspects…
SQW was commissioned as lead consultant to undertake a review of the strategic direction, business model, financial viability and management structure of HKPC. The HKPC employed 600 staff, and had for over 25 years played a key role in enhancing the productivity of Hong Kong industry and encouraging technology upgrading and innovation. But its traditional role had been challenged by the movement of most manufacturing activities into mainland China and the establishment of other organisations in Hong Kong. A radical rethink of future role and structure was therefore required.
SQW was commissioned to work with Scott Wilson Hong Kong to make inputs to a detailed submission of proposals for development of land related to a new port at Nansha in the Pearl River Delta, China. The land area concerned is around 26 sq km, to include port related activities and more general urbanisation. Our role was to advise on the nature and scale of provision for industry and service activities, both port related and others suited to this location.
We were commissioned to undertake the feasibility and planning studies for Hong Kong Science Park. The first stage involved: a major survey of firms in Hong Kong and overseas to establish market interest; reviews of economic change in Hong Kong and the surrounding region, and of investment trends in R&D and other technology based activities; and an assessment of the effectiveness of the current technology infrastructure in Hong Kong, and the additional benefits a science park could provide.
We undertook a full feasibility study for an innovation centre to support the formation and growth of new innovative and technology based businesses in Hong Kong. This included market analysis, proposals for physical development and organisation and management arrangements. We later advised on the appointment of the first Chief Executive. The Centre was subsequently built and has proved extremely successful.
This involved a detailed planning and engineering study for the area between the new airport and Kowloon, led by Scott Wilson. SQW's role was to advise on proposals for a new industrial estate and technology park as part of the overall development.
