SkyCity - Economic Gateway of China

Across the world, the potential of airport city developments is being realized as one of the most exciting investments of the future. With their unique infrastructure and facilities, they promote economic growth, trade and tourism.

Nowhere in the world is there an opportunity as unique as Hong Kong's SkyCity. Linked to the award-winning airport, on a 1 million sq metre landscaped peninsula, SkyCity will be a landmark of international quality.

Airport Authority Hong Kong is inviting developer partners to share our vision in strengthening Hong Kong's position as the economic gateway of China and to bring their experience, investment and world-class qualities to this exciting project.

SkyCity will be a vibrant hub of energy. Phase 1 development includes AsiaWorld-Expo (an international exhibition centre), SkyPlaza (an office and retail complex), SkyPier (a cross-boundary ferry terminal) and a 9-hole golf course. Future phases will consist of a business park, hotels, and leisure and entertainment facilities.

We envisage a centre of attraction; where many of our future passengers will shop and dine, where thousands of corporate tenants will work, and millions of international and local visitors be drawn to the exhibition centre.

Hong Kong is one of Asia's most popular tourist destinations, with over 15 million visitors arriving per year. With the opening of the Disney theme park in 2005/2006 - a short ride from the airport - SkyCity will benefit from over 5 million visitors Disney expects in its first year. This is expected to rise to 15 million visitors per year by the 15th year of operation.

In Orlando, Florida USA, it is reported that the Orlando International Airport, Disney and the Orange County Convention Centre create business for each other. SkyCity is similarly designed for profitable relationships between the airport, office and retail complex, exhibition centre, ferry terminal and tourist attractions.

In keeping with the quality of architecture of Hong Kong International Airport, SkyCity's design will be world-class. Renowned for its international experience as planners, architects and engineers, the firm of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill is the masterplanner for SkyCity.

SkyCity's environment will be unique, with the waterfront incorporated as a major element of the development. Landscape design will be innovative, creating an oasis of secluded gardens and walkways.

SkyCity's location gives it the potential for rapid success. At the gateway of China, on the estuary of the Pearl River Delta, it is ideally positioned to serve as an economic engine for growth in the region.

With China's recent entry to the World Trade Organisation, air traffic between China and the rest of the world is expected to increase. With the new marine passenger terminal and other expanded facilities, the airport will establish itself as the intermodal transport hub in the region.

At the interchange between China and the world, SkyCity has the location and infrastructure to support every opportunity.

A new station will be added to the Airport Express line next to AsiaWorld-Expo. Nearby is the cross-boundary ferry terminal and bus connection to the city and tourist destinations.

By air, sea and land, SkyCity will have all the connections for time-conscious business and leisure visitors.

SkyCity is a prime commercial development opportunity. Phase 1 development which is programmed to be operational in 2006 will include:

The centre is expected to attract large-scale international exhibitions and major industrial trade shows. It will complement the existing Hong Kong facilities with its unique capacity for large exhibits. The first phase will provide at least 66,000 sqm exhibition space in a single level including a 13,500-seat multi-purpose arena.

As a transport and business centre, SkyPlaza extends from the Passenger Terminal Building, fully integrated with the airport and the Airport Express railway station.

The building will feature airline check-in facilities atop a transport interchange for coaches in anticipation of a rapidly expanding market due to Disney and cross-border visitors.

Two office towers with a total floor space of 30,000 sq metres will be developed in 2 phases to support demand for Grade A accommodation for Airport Authority headquarters, a World Trade Centre, airlines and other airport-related businesses as well as corporations needing close access to the Pearl River Delta and the airport.

SkyPlaza also consists a 38,000 sq metres world-class retail and entertainment centre, which will include an IMAX 3D theatre. It serves to cater for tour groups and other passengers, meeters and greeters, exhibition visitors, local residents and 50,000 airport workers.

The ferry terminal expands the airport catchment market with convenient, seamless access to the Pearl River Delta for visitors by air. The future phase of SkyPier will provide both cross-boundary and domestic ferry services for air passengers and visitors to the exhibition centre and Disney.

Hong Kong International Airport is a centre of energy, a regional hub and gateway of China. The SkyCity development is designed to support Hong Kong's prime position and to benefit from the vast potential of this unique opportunity.

We welcome entrepreneurs who share this vision and who want to participate in a project of the highest professional standards. SkyCity will break new ground in airport development and set a new precedent for China and the world.