Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), as a leading aviation hub for China and Asia, faced increasing competition regionally and globally. Key infrastructure—like the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and Tuen Mun Chep Lap Kok Link—was nearing completion, transforming travel dynamics and expanding HKIA's catchment area. The Airport Authority sought to determine the most viable and strategic land uses for the Airport Related Development (ARD) site to ensure continued growth, competitiveness, and economic contribution.

Scope

The task was to assess, evaluate, and recommend a comprehensive, integrated land use development program for the ARD site. This involved:

• Establishing evaluation criteria (airport synergy, economic value, job creation, market interest, competition minimization, etc.)

• Benchmarking land use options (office/business park, hotel, retail/outlet mall, retail distribution center, parking)

• Projecting demand and phasing recommendations up to 2030

• Ensuring development supports HKIA’s dual role as a global transportation hub and economic engine for Hong Kong.

A market assessment was conducted, including:

• Stakeholder interviews and market demand analysis

• Review of case studies (examples from international airport cities and retail/office districts)

• Quantitative projections for facility space, visitor flows, and market support

• Evaluation and prioritization of potential land uses using established criteria

Recommendations

• Develop a large outlet shopping mall (due to minimal competition and strong, underserved market demand)

• Build mid-range/value-oriented hotels to serve the growing segment of price-sensitive Mainland Chinese travelers

• Expand commercial office space targeting logistics, IT, trade support services, to create agglomeration economies and strengthen HKIA’s business hub role

• Establish a retail distribution center linked to logistics networks and a supply chain

• Create parking infrastructure matching projected increases in cross-boundary vehicular traffic and ARD area visitation

• Phased development including recommended space and program from 2015–2030 for each use: office, hotel, retail, distribution, and parking.

Result

The result was a comprehensive, integrated development strategy for HKIA’s ARD site, projected to serve Hong Kong and the wider Pearl River Delta:

• By 2030, anticipated total ARD development: 400,000+ sqm across all uses

• Support for HKIA’s status as a regional aviation and business hub

• Significant increases in non-aeronautical revenue, passenger traffic, local economic impact, and job creation

• Enhanced destination appeal for tourists, business travelers, and regional residents

• Strategic alignment with infrastructure upgrades and connectivity improvements

• Recommendations support ongoing competitiveness in face of rapid growth in regional airport development, changing passenger dynamics, and new travel patterns.