When replying to questions by lawmaker Stanley Li Sai-wing on Wednesday, the sports chief said the technical feasibility study for the implementation of the facility has been completed and submitted to bureaux for approval.

“Upon approval, the government will take forward the project in accordance with the established procedures for public works projects,” according to Yeung’s written reply.

“The government will conduct detailed design of the Water Sports Center and submit the funding application to the Legislative Council for consideration in due course.”

Yeung continued that the water sports to be offered include sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and dragon boating. There will be a main service building; covered storage areas for rescue boats and coaching boats; boatsheds with racks; a workshop for maintenance and repairs; boat parks for double-handed dinghies, etc.

The Water Sports Center will be managed and operated by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), and the number of daily users is estimated at 120.

“Upon its completion, the Water Sports Center in Area 77, Tseung Kwan O, is expected to offer 1,000 additional water sports training courses, public fun day activities and competitions for public participation, and provide craft rental service to meet the public demand for water sports annually,” Yeung said.

The completion of the facility “will increase the total number of activities of water sports centers under the LCSD by around 20 percent,” Yeung added.

Currently, the LCSD manages five water sports centers. They are the Tai Mei Tuk Water Sports Center and the Jockey Club Wong Shek Water Sports Center in Tai Po District, the Chong Hing Water Sports Center in Sai Kung District, as well as the St Stephen's Beach Water Sports Center and the Stanley Main Beach Water Sports Center in Southern District.