TNAG-2264-FCO40-3261-Hong-Kong-Port-and-Airport-Development-Strategy-(PADS)-gener-1991 — Page 81

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However, both the port and airport are approaching

capacity limits, which can only be overcome by opening up new

areas for development and investing in major new

infrastructure. The size and cost of the capital works

required to meet future demands are great, and the

implementation issues complex.

Over the past decade, considerable thought has been given

to the question of how best to provide for Hong Kong's further expansion. Alternative sites for a replacement airport were studied as early as 1973, with the island of Chek Lap Kok, off

eventually the north coast of Lantau, being subsequently considered as the

favoured location. During the early 1980s, a series of

sub-regional studies was undertaken of potential for urban development, and the results were incorporated into a Territorial Development Strategy. This established a broad framework for expansion of urban and transport infrastructure

into the 1990s. Of particular significance for the Port and Airport Development Strategy (PADS) Study were the North Lantau

Development Investigations, which demonstrated the potential role of Lantau in accommodating substantial urban development, with or without an airport.

Port and Airport Development Strategy

In 1986, the Hong Kong Government completed a Port

Development Strategy Study which looked at the opportunities for port expansion to 2001. Alternative schemes for a major development were subsequently put forward. These combined the provision of a new airport and extensive deep-water port

facilities, with other urban uses.

Because of the need to choose a clear way forward, in the

face of the wide range of opportunities and proposals, the

Government initiated the PADS Study in 1988. The aim of the

study was to produce a medium - to long-term strategy which

would provide the context for decisions on airport and port development.