Infrastructure improvements to enhance HKCEC accessibility

(Hong Kong, 10 November 2010)    Planning and a portion of the construction are now underway on major improvements and expansion to the road and underground rail network around the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). This will assure that the downtown venue will become even more accessible to organisers, exhibitors, visitors and the public. 

Construction began earlier this year to provide a 6-lane underground by-pass from Hong Kong's Central district to the Eastern Corridor underneath the HKCEC which will free up surface traffic around the HKCEC. Additionally, a new rail line is planned to run through multiple districts in Hong Kong and will pass under the HKCEC. A potential new adjacent “Exhibition Station” could provide direct access to the Centre, as well as nearby hotels and other business facilities.

Potentially, these infrastructure enhancements can be completed within the decade. Upon completion, visitors and guests travelling between different districts in Hong Kong and HKCEC will benefit from significant reductions in travelling time. In the meantime, the management team of HKCEC is working closely with the government and appointed contractors to exercise stringent measures to ensure minimal interruption to HKCEC operations throughout the construction period.

HKCEC Managing Director Cliff Wallace stated, "We could not be more pleased with the ongoing support and commitment of Hong Kong government in making these improvements. We are delighted that this construction work is progressing well. It is most gratifying that government and the community fully recognise HKCEC’s contribution to Hong Kong's economy. 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 them that have now become the world's most prestigious. Among these are the world's largest jewellery show held each September (organised by UBM Asia) and the world’s largest electronics fair (organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council) every October." 

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Photo captions:

1) Construction for major improvements and expansion to the road is now underway, taking place from the left in the picture towards HKCEC.

2) Some construction work is taking place right outside HKCEC to prepare for the infrastructure improvements.

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About HML The HKCEC is managed and operated by Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (HML), a private professional management company. The HML is a member of NWS Holdings Limited. NWS Holdings Limited (“NWS Holdings”, Hong Kong stock code: 659), the infrastructure and service flagship of New World Development Company Limited (Hong Kong stock code: 17), embraces businesses in Hong Kong, Mainland China and Macau. Its Infrastructure portfolio includes Roads, Energy, Water and Ports & Logistics projects. Its Services division comprises Facilities Management (the management of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and Free Duty), Contracting & Transport (Hip Hing Construction and bus and ferry services) and Financial Services (Tricor).

Issued by Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Ltd.

For further information, please contact:

Ms Mabel Hung, Communications Manager

Tel: +852 2582 7837

Mobile: +852 6295 6570

E-mail: mabelhung@hkcec.com