1988
1989
In the later part of 1987, two studies began in September. Its objectives are to determine the extent of ground noise and to recommend abatement measures. This study will take six months to complete. In October, a consultant was engaged to carry out a 10-month study on the capacity and development potential of the airport. Under the supervision of the newly- established Airport Development Studies Division, the study will seek to define the constraints on the present airport, forecast air traffic demand up to the year 2010, and explore methods of meeting the projected demand within the constraints identified.
The consultancy study on the capacity and development potential of the airport progressed on schedule during the year. This study will seek to define the constraints on the present airport, forecast air traffic demand up to the year 2010, and explore methods of meeting the projected demand within the constraints identified.
Another major study, the Alternative Replacement Airport Sites Study, was commissioned in April with the objectives of identifying a suitable replacement airport location in the Western Harbour area, and of preparing an airport layout plan and preliminary cost estimates.
Consultancy work also begin in May to review and update the 1982 master plan for the Chek Lap Kok replacement airport.
It is clear that the Hong Kong Government, in commissioning the three sets of consultants, were looking at three alternatives :-
(1) Prolonging the life at Kai Tak.
Alternative Replacement Airport Study (ARAS) to investigate Western Harbour
(2)
(3)
Further studies for Chek Lap Kok.
3.
GOVERNMENT DECISION IN OCTOBER, 1989.
Ultimately Hong Kong Government announced its decision to build the replacement airport at Chek Lap Kok, as part and parcel of the HK$127 Billion "ROSE GARDEN" for Hong Kong, as mentioned in 1990 Hong Kong Annual Report 1990 :-
1990
At the opening session of the Legislative Council in October(1989), the Government announced the Government's intention to proceed with plans to develop a replacement airport at Chek Lap Kok off the north coast of Lantau Island, in concert with plans for future port and urban development. The target date for the opening of the new airport is June 1997.
The alternative Replacement Airport Sites (ARAS) Consultancy established that a two-runway airport could feasibly be developed on a reclaimed artificial } island in the Western Harbour area of Hong Kong west of Lamma Island. However the Chek Lap Kok Master Plan Review Consultancy confirmed the findings of earlier studies which proposed Chek Lap Kok as the preferred location for a replacement airport for Hong Kong.
The choice of Chek Lap Kok as the replacement airport comes as no surprise to the Hopewell Consortium but the ARAS Study did confirm the feasibility of siting of the replacement airport on an artificial island in the Western Harbour, though it was not preferred.
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