Atkins picked to manage mega arts development

The WKCD, which stands on on 40ha of reclaimed land, is intended to create a vibrant cultural quarter for Hong Kong. When completed, it will provide 23ha of public open space with 2km of harbour-front promenade. It will also include a variety of arts and cultural facilities that will produce and host exhibitions, performances and arts and cultural events.

Atkins will provide support to the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority’s executive management team in managing and delivering the project. The company will be responsible for project management of the implementation of M+, Hong Kong’s new museum for visual culture, the conservation and storage facility, Lyric Theatre, district cooling system and the first phase of a basement. The work will start this month and last for five years.

Michael Lynch, chief executive officer of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, said: “Atkins has a very strong track record in managing the most challenging, large-scale projects in Hong Kong and around the world. We are confident that Atkins’ extensive experience worldwide will be instrumental to our project’s success.”

John Blackwood, Atkins’ project director, said: “This project is extremely exciting as it involves a complex blend of world-class buildings and major infrastructure works which have to be delivered successfully in a challenging construction environment.”

Chris Birdsong, Atkins’ chief executive officer for Asia Pacific, added: “Securing this major project demonstrates our commitment to growth and diversification in Hong Kong and the Asia Pacific region. The breadth and depth of our design and engineering expertise has been complemented by the acquisition of project and construction management consultancy, Confluence which further strengthened our regional capability in programme and project management.”

Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk