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The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (September 26) announced that the Government will partner with the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) to carry out full reconstruction of the Hong Kong Stadium (HKS) turf pitch in April 2015.
In October 2013, the Expert Group on the Hong Kong Stadium Turf Pitch set up by the LCSD recommended that the entire HKS pitch should be reconstructed. The LCSD has since been working closely with the Expert Group to finalise the implementation mode, scope and schedule of the reconstruction project.
A spokesman for the LCSD said, "We are glad to work in partnership with the HKJC on the reconstruction project. The HKJC will provide full technical and financial support for the project including engaging specialist consultants and contractors.
"With the HKJC's rich experience and expertise in turf track construction and management, we are confident that the project will be delivered in a professional and efficient manner. We are also grateful to the HKJC Charities Trust for providing full funding support for the reconstruction project."
The LCSD and the HKJC will be the Project Owner and the Project Manager respectively.
The scope of the reconstruction project will include complete removal of the existing turf and soil, replacement of the underground irrigation and drainage systems, reconstruction of a new pitch reinforced sand profile and laying of new turf.
Having regard to the local climatic conditions and past experience, the Expert Group considered that the existing turf species, i.e. hybrid Bermuda grass to be over sown with perennial rye grass during winter, should continue be used for the reconstructed turf pitch. The Expert Group, upon thorough deliberation, also agreed that mesh elements should be adopted to reinforce the natural turf pitch to improve its load bearing capacity and stability.
The reconstruction works will commence on-site on April 1, 2015, and take around five months to complete. After a period of turf establishment, the reconstructed turf pitch is expected to be ready for re-opening by the end of September 2015 to tie in with the new football season.
The Expert Group, comprising top experts in turf management from Hong Kong and overseas as well as representatives from the HKJC, the Hong Kong Football Association, the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union, the Architectural Services Department, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and the LCSD, was set up in August last year. It is tasked with advising the LCSD on the necessary medium- and long-term improvement measures for the HKS turf pitch.
Ends/Friday, September 26, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:01
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