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Monday, Feb 03, 2025
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Dramatic cut to Hong Kong Stadium's capacity proposed
The seating capacity of Hong Kong Stadium will be greatly reduced to 9,000 from 40,000 after the commencement of the new Kai Tak Sports Park due to noise pollution concerns, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department proposed.
In a document submitted to the Wan Chai District Council, LCSD said the revamped Hong Kong Stadium will feature a 400-meter running track, and construction will start after the expected commissioning of the Kai Tak Sports Park in 2023.
LCSD also cited a consultant report that the change will reduce the noise levels, which will comply with the requirements set out by the Environmental Protection Department.
“The consultant report simulated the noise level generated from a 18,000-seat stadium and a 9,000-seat stadium,” LCSD said, and found that 9,000 seats along with noise-reducing measures means “the noise level could be reduced to a point that fits the requirements set out by the Environmental Protection Department.”
“The preliminary evaluation of the noise and traffic levels of the reconstruction plan has also been done, while the Transport Department did not raise any objections towards the proposal,” LCSD said.
“The revamped Hong Kong Stadium will be mainly used to host sports activities organized by local organizations and schools, and the peak hours of those activities will not overlap with the rush hour on weekdays,” it added.
After the reconstruction, a grass pitch that fits international standards for soccer and rugby games will remain in place, while an additional 400-meter running track surrounding the grass pitch will be added to the stadium, the document continued.
LCSD added that citizens and organizations can book the stadium for soccer, rugby and athletics training activities when the stadium is not hosting competitions and large-scale activities, and the tracks will also be open to all citizens without booking.
Other than the pitch and athletics track, the stadium will consist of a multi-purpose meeting room, media center, toilets, changing rooms, first-aid rooms, drug test room and nursery rooms, according to the document.
The public car park of the stadium will also offer no less than the current 50 parking spaces, it added.
On the other hand, LCSD also said it will consider providing more office space for the 47 sports associations and organizations under the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong amid a lack of space at the Olympics House.
The building, immediately adjacent to the Hong Kong Stadium, currently holds the offices of all 47 sports associations and organizations. LCSD said it will consider adding more office space for them during the feasibility study of the reconstruction of the Hong Kong Stadium, and it will consult the sports sector and other stakeholders in a timely manner.
LCSD also cited a consultant report that the change will reduce the noise levels, which will comply with the requirements set out by the Environmental Protection Department.
“The consultant report simulated the noise level generated from a 18,000-seat stadium and a 9,000-seat stadium,” LCSD said, and found that 9,000 seats along with noise-reducing measures means “the noise level could be reduced to a point that fits the requirements set out by the Environmental Protection Department.”
“The preliminary evaluation of the noise and traffic levels of the reconstruction plan has also been done, while the Transport Department did not raise any objections towards the proposal,” LCSD said.
“The revamped Hong Kong Stadium will be mainly used to host sports activities organized by local organizations and schools, and the peak hours of those activities will not overlap with the rush hour on weekdays,” it added.
After the reconstruction, a grass pitch that fits international standards for soccer and rugby games will remain in place, while an additional 400-meter running track surrounding the grass pitch will be added to the stadium, the document continued.
LCSD added that citizens and organizations can book the stadium for soccer, rugby and athletics training activities when the stadium is not hosting competitions and large-scale activities, and the tracks will also be open to all citizens without booking.
Other than the pitch and athletics track, the stadium will consist of a multi-purpose meeting room, media center, toilets, changing rooms, first-aid rooms, drug test room and nursery rooms, according to the document.
The public car park of the stadium will also offer no less than the current 50 parking spaces, it added.
On the other hand, LCSD also said it will consider providing more office space for the 47 sports associations and organizations under the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong amid a lack of space at the Olympics House.
The building, immediately adjacent to the Hong Kong Stadium, currently holds the offices of all 47 sports associations and organizations. LCSD said it will consider adding more office space for them during the feasibility study of the reconstruction of the Hong Kong Stadium, and it will consult the sports sector and other stakeholders in a timely manner.
