Transforming the airport into a a visionary hub of art, culture, adventure and water recreation: SKYTOPIA, Hong Kong’s ambitious plan to transform its international airport into a world-class destination.
The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has officially announced the development of a top-of-the-class hub, SKYTOPIA, which will redefine tourist experiences at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and surrounding areas. The ambitious project will unite commerce, art, culture, cuisine, and entertainment to yield a one-of-a-kind leisurely escape for locals and tourists alike.
Airport City Blueprint Presented to the business Ccmmunity the New Brand SKYTOPIA project: the event showcased the development potential and investment opportunities at SKYTOPIA, with themed exhibition zones introducing the major projects, attracting over 300 business leaders from Hong Kong, Mainland and international business community.
“The project is expected to cost around HK$100 billion, of which about HK$30 billion will be on infrastructure costs. Hong Kong’s Airport Authority will work with the private sectors to secure HK$70 billion of investment to help fund the expansion of the project billed as a “landmark of Asia”. The remaining HK$30 billion will be funded with internal resources.
The project was initiated in 2019 and is scheduled to be completed by 2031. Under the expanded development blueprint, the site will be the largest in the region, integrating commercial activities, popular culture, art trading, entertainment and leisure.
Integrating commercial activities, popular culture, art trading, entertainment and leisure, SKYTOPIA features projects that capitalise the unique advantages of Hong Kong and leverage the land and marine resources near Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
Highlights include:
- Hong Kong’s first one-stop art hub which puts art creation, appreciation and trading under one roof;
- Hong Kong’s first dedicated stand-alone art storage facility;
- Airport Bay Marina as Hong Kong’s largest yacht bay providing over 500 berths;
- Hong Kong’s largest water recreation area;
- Jet Fresh Market with fresh gourmet products delivered from around the globe;
- Phase 2 development of AsiaWorld-Expo comprising Hong Kong’s largest indoor purpose-built performance venue housing 20,000 spectators;
- Sportainment complex combining indoor and outdoor sports concepts for adventure, exploration, sports and entertainment;
- Marine resort and luxury hotel;
- Promenade encompassing a 1.5 km-long CoveWalk and Piazza;
- Green and smart transport system featuring automated car parks and autonomous vehicles and more.
Fred Lam, Chairman of AAHK, remarked at the event, “We envisage that HKIA will not be just a place for passengers to board their flights or a portal for entering Hong Kong. Our vision is to develop SKYTOPIA into a landmark of its own, and a world-leading destination, attracting visitors from within Hong Kong and the prosperous Greater Bay Area, as well as major markets in Asia and the rest of the world. AAHK’s role is to build the key infrastructure and create a platform for experts and investors to deliver services and products through their specially designed facilities. We are grateful to the HKSAR Government for the policy support and excited to see the positive responses from the business community. We look forward to working with investors to make SKYTOPIA a key economic driver of Hong Kong and beyond.”
SKYTOPIA embodies the key attributes and aspirations of the development, with “SKY” and “IA” (International Airport) manifesting its airport lineage and global reach, while “TOP” promises top-tier experiences for visitors and highlighting its position as a leading regional landmark. SKYTOPIA is set to be visitors’ dream destination with sky-high attractions.