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The Hong Kong Stadium (HKS) will be closed for reconstruction of its turf pitch from April to September this year as a comprehensive improvement measure to enhance the long-term quality and durability of the pitch, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (March 31).
The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) will provide full technical and financial support for the project including engaging specialist consultants and contractors. The LCSD is grateful to the HKJC Charities Trust for providing full funding support for the reconstruction project. The LCSD also thanks the Expert Group on the HKS Turf Pitch for its valuable advice on the medium-term and long-term improvement measures for the HKS turf pitch.
"With the HKJC's rich experience and expertise in the construction and management of turf facilities, it is believed that the project will be delivered in a professional and efficient manner," a spokesman for the LCSD said.
The HKS turf pitch and car park will be handed over to the HKJC tomorrow (April 1) for the reconstruction works to commence. The scope of the works involves 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.
During the closure period, the HKS will not be opened for any events and the annual facility maintenance works of the HKS will be carried out at the same time. Guided tour services will also be suspended. As the HKS car park will be converted into a construction site, both hourly and monthly car parking services will also be suspended until further notice.
After a period of turf establishment, the reconstructed turf pitch is expected to be ready for re-opening by the end of September this year. Details of the re-opening of the HKS will be announced in due course.
Ends/Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Issued at HKT 15:30
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