Kai Tak Sports Park

The ambitious regeneration of the 28-hectare former airport site at Kai Tak in Hong has transformed this previously underutilised area into a vibrant sports and community hub for the city’s 7.5 million residents.

This transformative development connects key elements of Hong Kong’s sporting precinct while offering revenue opportunities through commercial and community-driven spaces. The integration of a state-of-the-art 50,000-seat Kia Tak Stadium, Kai Tak Arena, and Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground will create an unparalleled destination for year-round activity, drawing visitors and locals alike. 

With Populous’ expertise in urban planning and architecture, the masterplan focuses on creating a seamless experience that connects the facilities. Central to this is Sports Avenue, a dynamic pedestrian pathway that spans the entire site, linking key locations like Station Square to the harbourfront promenade and Dining Cove. The thoughtful urban design guides visitors through the precinct with clear wayfinding and brand activation, ensuring ease of access and a memorable experience. 

The scale of Kai Tak means we’re able to connect the heart of the region and new developing neighbourhood all the way to the water and give that harbour front connection.- For populous it captures who we are and what we’ve done across our history

James Pearce

Senior Principal | Senior Architect

The 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium, with its eye-catching “Pearl of the Orient” façade, will become the economic driver of the project, hosting high-profile events such as the Rugby Sevens and global performing artists like Coldplay.  

The Stadium features an innovative acoustically sealed retractable roof and adaptable pitch to accommodate a wide range of sports and entertainment as well as varying weather conditions. The roof consists of one of the largest sets of sliding roof panels in the world, operating with over 4,800 tonnes of steel on silent mechanisms, transforming the venue in less than 30 minutes, all while maintaining robust safety systems with fixed locks and independent track brakes. 

The Stadium’s world-class design, underpinned by advanced BIM and parametric design techniques, has resulted in an efficient and cost-effective facade made of over 27,000 specially coated, self-cleaning aluminium panels, creating a stunning, shimmering effect. 

The adjacent Kai Tak Arena and Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground will provide ample space for both elite competitions and daily community use. The venue’s flexible design offers retractable seating and customizable configurations for events of varying sizes, while the public sports grounds will offer free access for jogging and fitness activities.

This urban renewal project is more than just a sports complex – it has become a bustling, integrated community hub. Along with the sporting venues, the precinct features retail spaces, a health and wellness center, outdoor recreational areas, and dining facilities, ensuring it remains a focal point for daily life. The Kai Tak Sports Park also connects seamlessly to surrounding districts and public transport, enhancing accessibility for all. 

The Kai Tak Sports Park is poised to become a globally recognized landmark, supporting Hong Kong’s ambitions to promote sports, foster community engagement, and enhance its reputation as a center for international events. 

  • 2024

    • ACEHK Annual Awards - Overall Best Project
    • BuildingSMART International - OpenBIM Award
  • 2023

    • World Architecture Festival Awards 2023 Visualization Prize – Finalist
  • 2022

    • Guangzhou Design Week, Best of Property Winner for Cultural, Education and Public Award
  • 2020

    • Hong Kong Construction Industry Council (CIC) BIM Achievement Award
    • BEAM Plus (Neighbourhood) Platinum - China Green Building (HK)
    • 3-Star Design Label - China Green Building (HK)
33 items.
  • Paul Henry Senior Principal, Co-Managing Director – APAC, Founder Brisbane
  • Richard Breslin Senior Principal, Co-Managing Director – APAC Hong Kong
  • Siddharth Soni Principal, Architect New Delhi
  • Sherry Li Associate, Architectural Graduate Brisbane
  • James Pearce Senior Principal, Senior Architect Brisbane
  • Shaun Gallagher Senior Principal, Architect Brisbane
  • David Johnston Principal, Senior Architect Brisbane
  • Nathan Tobeck Principal, Regional Digital Lead – APAC Brisbane
  • Alex Goldston Associate Principal, BIM Coordinator Brisbane
  • Amie Edser Associate Principal, Architect Brisbane
  • Meg McWilliam Principal, Senior Architect Los Angeles
  • Nick Fitzgerald Associate Principal, Senior Architectural Designer Brisbane
  • Cindy Yip Associate, Architectural Technician Brisbane
  • Grant Henman Associate Principal, Senior Architectural Designer Brisbane
  • Janice Lau Senior Associate, Architect Hong Kong
  • Matthew Farr Associate Principal, Architect Brisbane
  • Henry Coates Associate Principal, Architect Brisbane
  • Joshua Robson Senior Principal, Architect Sydney
  • Ismael Merchan Senior Associate, Project Architect Hong Kong
  • Christian Frick Associate, Senior Consultant Coordinator Hong Kong
  • Scott Rogers Associate Principal, Architectural Designer Brisbane
  • Paul Foskett Principal, Head of Interior Design - APAC Sydney
  • Isha Rathee Principal, Architect New Delhi
  • Christopher Hardie Senior Associate, Brand Activation Lead Brisbane
  • Keith Hudson Associate Principal, Senior Architectural Designer Brisbane
  • Andrew Crutcher Associate Principal, Architect London — Putney
  • Ben Stacey Associate Principal, Architect Brisbane
  • Chris Hutchison Senior Associate, Architectural Graduate Brisbane
  • Andrew Wallace Associate Principal, Architect Sydney
  • Daniel Thompson Associate, Senior Visual Communications Artist Brisbane
  • Nicholas Wright BIM Assistant Brisbane
  • Sophie Hogben Senior Associate, Wayfinding Design Lead - APAC Brisbane
  • Sarah Lansdell Senior Associate, Project Architect Brisbane

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