Construction work to improve the underground rail network and expand roadways around the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) is now underway.
Work began earlier this year to provide a six-lane underground bypass from Hong Kong’s Central district to the Eastern Corridor underneath the HKCEC. The move is aimed at freeing up traffic around the venue. Additionally, a new rail line is planned to run through multiple districts in Hong Kong and will pass under the centre. Among the proposals are a potential Exhibition Station, which could provide direct access to the Centre, as well as nearby hotels and other business facilities.
HKCEC MD Cliff Wallace said the venue could not be more pleased about the government’s commitment to improving transport infrastructure around the site. It is hoped infrastructure improvements will be completed by 2020. Wallace said it was liaising with the government and contractors to minimise event disruptions until then.
“It is most gratifying that government and the community fully recognise HKCEC’s contribution to Hong Kong’s economy,” he said. “I am also hopeful for future additional expansion to the HKCEC to meet the demand from ongoing growth of our current clients’ events, many of which have become the world’s most prestigious.”
This list includes UBM Asia’s jewellery show, held each September, and the Hong Kong Electronics Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council every October.
The infrastructure improvements come after HKCEC completed an expansion project in 2009, to grow its total rentable space to 91,500sqm.
According to a recent report by the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association, local trade exhibitions helped boost Hong Kong’s economy by HK$30 billion (US$3.8bn) in 2008 and kept the country out of recession.
