ELEVEN officials from Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) and Planning Department (PlanD) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region visited Malaysia Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) on 10 September 2019 for a study on the MRT Project.

The visit was part of the feasibility study on ‘Urban and Green Design Study for the Future Town Centre and the District Commercial Node in Hung Shui Kiu New Development Area’, which will formulate a recommended urban design and set up green targets to guide future developments in the Hung Shui Kiu New Development Area (HSK NDA) in Hong Kong.

The MRT Project presented the visitors with the opportunity to have an understanding on adoption of urban design concepts, especially on the station planning. The connections of MRT stations to adjoining residential and commercial developments could help enhance the conceptual urban design and future development of HSK NDA.

Held at MRT Corp headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, a welcome remark by MRT Corp Planning and Design Director, Mr. Alan Teoh, marked the beginning of the programme which was followed by an introduction session of both organisations. The visitors also provided updates on the upcoming developments in HSK NDA.  The construction works are tentatively scheduled to commence in 2020 of which the whole project is expected to be completed by 2037/2038.

MRT Corp Geotechnical and Tunnel Assistant General Manager, Mr. Khoo Chee Min, then gave a presentation on the MRT Project which covered the project structure, overview, timeline and progress, amongst others.

The next topic presented was on Transit Oriented Planning (TOD), which was given by MRT Corp Architectural Assistant General Manager, Mr. Khoh Kok Hong. He briefed on the underground station design planning principles and TOD approach. The slides included TOD for connected and integrated developments, as well as those with integrated entrances.

The visitors from CEDD and PlanD proceeded to the MRT Gallery before taking a group photograph to commemorate the day and end their visit.