Atkins wins second contract for Hong Kong river upgrade

Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, has been appointed by the Drainage Services Department (DSD) of the Hong Kong SAR Government to undertake the design and construction for the revitalisation of Tsui Ping River in Kwun Tong, Hong Kong.

In July 2015, Atkins was appointed by DSD to undertake the investigation stage study for the revitalisation of Tsui Ping River. With this new contract, it can continue working on the project right through the construction stage.

The project aims to revitalise the existing 1-kilometre King Yip Street Nullah into a green and vibrant river, with the upgrading of the vicinity, improvement of its stormwater discharge function, and better connectivity with the adjoining neighbourhood. The project will also act as a catalyst in transforming Kowloon East into an attractive CBD.

“Bringing to life this project will benefit the Kwun Tong community and the people of Hong Kong through our continued collaborative effort with DSD,” says Tony Chik, project director at Atkins.

Project manager Xiao Ying adds, “Close collaboration with our colleagues in the UK enabled us to develop the design of a smart water gate which has not yet been applied in Hong Kong. It aims to create a magnificent waterbody behind the gate, enhance the instream habitat along the river and turn the river into a local attraction.”

Construction of the project is tentatively planned to commence in end-2019 for a phased completion from 2022 to 2023.

Atkins had previously collaborated with DSD to deliver revitalisation of the midstream section of the Kai Tak River in Hong Kong from feasibility stage through to construction. The scheme was completed in November 2017. — Construction+ Online