Dragages Hong Kong Limited has been awarded the design and build contract for Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Building and ancillary facilities. The contract, which was awarded by the Government of the Hong Kong SAR, strengthens Dragages Hong Kong’s leadership role in the fast-track creation of one of Hong Kong’s most high-profile infrastructure projects.

The building is to be constructed on a 7.6-hectare site at the southern end of the former Kai Tak Airport runway. The three-storey terminal building, featuring world-class design developed by Foster + Partners and Wong Tung & Partners, is set to become an iconic addition to Hong Kong’s urban landscape.

“We are thrilled to win this important new contract,” remarked Nicolas Borit, Managing Director of Dragages Hong Kong Limited. “Since the 1970s, we have distinguished ourselves as one of the world’s leading design-and-build contractors. The Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Building will be another milestone project in our portfolio.”

“This project also has great meaning to us as a company,” he continued. “Dragages first came to Hong Kong in 1955 when it won the contract to reconstruct and extend the runway at Kai Tak International Airport. Now, some 50 years later, we are proud to be building an iconic new facility on the same piece of land.”

The building will be a highly functional facility, allowing the operator to deliver world-class services. The visionary design includes optimised spatial relationships that create a highly efficient space, both as a regional cruise hub and as a landmark destination for local visitors. For instance, column-free, wide-span structure will be adopted to maximise use of space and enhance passenger flow.

Sustainability is also a key aspect of the building’s design and operation. Using Hong Kong’s well-established building assessment tool – BEAM – Dragages Hong Kong will integrate design strategies that fully optimise the building’s performance.

A series of connected green landscape decks from the first level to the roof level is another distinctive feature of the building. This eye-catching design will combine spectacular harbour views with an environment that is intuitive, inviting and inspiring.

As the main contractor, Dragages Hong Kong has assembled a multi-disciplinary team comprising many of Hong Kong’s top consultants and international experts. The terminal building and the first berth is scheduled for completion in mid-2013, at which time the terminal will be ready to berth the world’s largest cruise ships. More