Populous create ‘Pearl of the Orient’ stadium in parkland setting

The Kai Tak Sports Park designed by Tenderstream member Populous is set to open in Hong Kong on the 1st March, with the government mobilising 63,000 personnel to test the development’s three venues. Meanwhile, construction is nearing completion on the central stadium, with the acoustically sealed retractable roof now operational. The park is poised to become Hong Kong’s biggest sports venue, with world-class sports facilities and leisure spaces accessible to the local population and international visitors. 

Populous created the masterplan for 28-hectare site, which envisaged the development as an urban oasis which integrates high-quality sports venues with retail, wellness, recreational and community spaces. Nestled in a parkland setting with Hong Kong’s iconic Lion Rock as a backdrop, the precinct revolves around an indoor and outdoor pedestrian walk, which connects key facilities with the Dining Cove overlooking Victoria Harbour – one of the most recognisable views in the world.

The main stadium takes centre stage within the development, featuring a ‘Pearl of the Orient’ façade design theme and accommodating 50,00 spectators. The south stand will honour the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens tradition, with an activity platform set against a panoramic glass wall that provides views of the scenic harbour front. The stadium’s pitch can be switched between natural turf for premier football or rugby events, to other surface materials for specific sports or cultural and entertainment activities. An indoor sports centre comprises a main arena - where 80% of the seats are retractable or removable - and an ancillary sports hall. The park also offers a 5,000-seat public sports ground that is suitable for hosting school sports days and athletics training, as well as local football and rugby games. More than eight hectares of open space has been set aside across the development for a range of community purposes, meeting the diverse needs of the public.

On opening, the World Grand Prix snooker tournament will take place rom 4-9th March in the 4000-capacity Grand Hall venue, with the organisers aiming to play host to snooker’s biggest ever live audience for a ranking tournament.

Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research

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