The Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Building will be completed in 2013, a year ahead of the original schedule, Hong Kong's top financial official said at the signing ceremony of the building's design and build contract on Saturday.
Financial Secretary John Tsang witnessed the signing of the contract between the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mak Chai-kwong, and Dragages Hong Kong Limited Managing Director Nicolas Borit.
Tsang said Hong Kong possesses all the significant attributes to develop into a major cruise hub in the region, and it is well-positioned to benefit from the growth of the Asia Pacific cruise market.
"The signing of the contract will propel the work of the cruise terminal building ahead at full steam," Tsang said. "The building will provide world-class services to cruise passengers and another landmark to grace our harbor and welcome visitors from around the globe."
The new cruise terminal building will meet the technical requirements for a highly functional facility that will allow the operator to provide world-class services. An optimized structural design concept will be adopted to create a bigger space inside for more effective passenger-flow handling.
To adhere to the highest level of environmental sustainability, the building will make full use of natural lighting and ventilation, as well as a number of energy saving devices.
It will also be well equipped with supporting facilities to accommodate berthing two mega cruise vessels concurrently, and will provide flexibility for converting the terminal operation area into other uses during non-peak season to maximize use.
The building will provide a commercial area of about 5,600 square meters.
