Kai Tak test events will be useful: CE

October 29, 2024

Chief Executive John Lee:

As regards the drills for the Kai Tak Sports Park, to prepare it for the grand opening and all the subsequent events, it is very important (that) we do all the drills necessary. It has to be progressive so that it will train up, first of all, departmental staff, those who work (for) Kai Tak Sports Park Limited, and those who are involved, especially those in the transport industry.

The challenge, of course, is the dispersal of crowds after an event, which will comprise 50,000 spectators. That is a challenge we must take up boldly.

That is also why I have been demanding different levels of drills, so as to test different elements of operational procedures, different areas of risk. 

We will progress in such a way that we will develop the system to ensure that it will operate smoothly.

Then we will progress to test the transport system; and then we will progress to test all the three sports grounds.

The progression will let us refine our plan through the experiences we gain in each step. 

I do want the drills to progress fast, but is it also important for reviews and improvement measures to be designed so that we can put them in. 

I envisage there will be at least 20-plus drills, and depending on the experiences we will gain through the drills, then we will decide whether more will be necessary.

(To watch the full press briefing with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive John Lee said today that test events will take place at the Kai Tak Sports Park in a progressive manner, allowing improvement measures to be put in place prior to its opening.

Mr Lee spoke to reporters about the sports park this morning, after the first test event – a football match – was held at the venue on Sunday.

He said the drills staged at the park will be used to train up staff working there and facilitate visitor flows.

“It is very important (that) we do all the drills necessary. It has to be progressive so that it will train up, first of all, departmental staff, those who work (for) Kai Tak Sports Park Limited, and those who are involved, especially those in the transport industry.

“The challenge, of course, is the dispersal of crowds after an event, which will comprise 50,000 spectators. That is a challenge we must take up boldly.”

The Chief Executive added that the forthcoming test events will be useful.

“I do want the drills to progress fast, but is it also important for reviews and improvement measures to be designed so that we can put them in.

“I envisage there will be at least 20-plus drills, and depending on the experiences we will gain through the drills, then we will decide whether more will be necessary.”