CONFIDENTIAL
CC(87)41
The Alternatives to Kai Tak
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Page
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Whatever the outcome of the proposed consultancy may be the fact is that Kai Tak's capacity is limited; it is only a matter of time before that capacity is reached. Though this period could be as long as or even longer than 20 years from now, it is, nevertheless, highly desirable that the Government should, on a regular basis, review the long-term capacity potential of Kai
of Kai Tak So that (and taking into account the necessary lead time for construction) an early indication can be given as to whether alternative arrangements will be required. It is equally desirable that various options should be examined well in advance of the possibility that one or more of them will have to be identified for more in depth consideration. The following paragraphs present to Members some preliminary ideas in the form of three options for the development of airport facilities for Hong Kong either in Hong Kong or in China. This is
This is in accordance with part (c) of the Members' advice given on 22 February 1983 that further consideration of the issue of a replacement airport should be taken in the context of long term development strategy.
The Options
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(a)
Three options have been identified. They are
Build a replacement airport in Hong Kong.
(b)
China and Hong Kong build a joint airport on the border.
(c). China (and possibly Hong Kong) build an overflow airport in Shenzhen (with Kai Tak retained).
Option 1
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Replacement Airport in Hong Kong
been
Το date only one site, Chek Lap Kok, has identified as a feasible site for a replacement airport wholly within Hong Kong. A second site at Deep Bay has been mentioned from time to time. It was the subject of a preliminary four week investigation by consultants in 1982. However, on the advice of Executive Council no further investigations were carried out on the site in view of the difficulties foreseen at that time in building an airport which in practice would have meant working in close cooperation with the Chinese authorities. While there are operational arguments against this site it is considered that it would be appropriate, bearing in mind the passage of time, for the 1982 preliminary investigation to be reassessed, this reassessment to be carried out in-house by the appropriate Government departments. This work might well result in the elimination of this option. A
CONFIDENTIAL
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