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The commencement of detailed ground investigation works for the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) today (December 10) marked an important milestone for the project, said the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Ms Eva Cheng. She also said she hoped that the international design ideas competition would draw innovative ideas and concepts to make HKBCF a new landmark in Hong Kong.
Officiating at today's ceremony to launch the International Design Ideas Competition and ground investigation works, Ms Cheng said that the HKBCF was a very important part of the HZMB's construction works within Hong Kong territory. It will fit in with the Hong Kong Link Road, Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link and Tuen Mun Western Bypass to form a strategic road network which will further enhance Hong Kong's status as an international transportation and aviation hub.
To cope with the schedule of the HZMB project and allow detailed design of the HKBCF to begin next year, the Highways Department co-organised the design ideas competition with the Architectural Services Department, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Environmental Protection Department, The Hong Kong Institute of Architects, The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, The Hong Kong Institution of Highways and Transportation, The Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects and Hong Kong Institute of Planners.
Qualified professionals in the fields of architecture, planning and engineering as well as the general public worldwide are welcome to contribute their innovative ideas and concepts, including the use of advanced environmental technologies for the design and construction of the HKBCF, in particular the Passenger Clearance Building.
There are two entry groups for the competition: the Professional Group and the Open Group. Headed by renowned architect Mr Richard Hawkins of Foster + Partners, the jury comprises six other professionals and celebrities from the Mainland, Hong Kong and overseas. The jury will assess the entries based on five criteria, including innovation and creativity; aesthetics and identity/icon; environmental friendliness; functionality, effectiveness and buildability; and harmony with the neighbourhood.
The competition is now open for entries. The closing date for registration is February 8, 2010. Details of the competition are available on the website (www.hkbcf-design.hk). The winning list will be announced in May next year and the winning design ideas will be the reference for the future detailed design of the HKBCF.
"'A New Journey begins here...' is the slogan of the competition. The HZMB will serve not only as a regional strategic route but also gear to help enhance the economic development and competitiveness of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region," said Ms Cheng.
"With the new bridge in operation, the journey between Hong Kong and the Western PRD can be shortened to within three hours. It will significantly reduce the cost and time for passenger and goods flow between Hong Kong and the Western PRD. In addition, the HZMB will bring tremendous benefit to Hong Kong, the Mainland and Macao in the areas of economic development, tourism, finance, logistics and cultural exchanges."
Ms Cheng also noted that the commencement of detailed ground investigation works marked an important milestone for the HKBCF project. The works will provide essential geotechnical data for the detailed design of the HKBCF.
Also officiating at the ceremony today were Legislative Council members, Ir Dr Raymond Ho and Ms Miriam Lau; Director of Highways, Mr Wai Chi-sing; Chairman of Islands District Council, Mr Daniel Lam Wai-keung; Project Manager of the HZMB Hong Kong Project Management Office, Highways Department, Mr Albert Cheng; and Managing Director of Fugro Geotechnical Services Ltd, Dr Cyril Chan.
Ends/Thursday, December 10, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:19
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