Return of 11 Skies project to Airport Authority will spur hub development: experts

Hong Kong airport authorities’ move to take back the massive 11 Skies mall project will catalyse the development of its aviation hub, a government adviser and a hospitality sector expert have said, calling for better access and immersive entertainment to attract footfall.

Their remarks came on Friday, two days after developer New World Development (NWD) announced it would return the project to the Airport Authority next year – including an entertainment complex and three office towers – and provide cash or equivalents of over HK$3 billion (US$382.3 million), on the back of major losses.

Perry Yiu Pak-leung, a board member of the authority, supported the move, saying it had been pushing other projects under the Skytopia blueprint, which envisions building a destination with shopping, dining, hospitality, business and entertainment experiences.

He highlighted the AsiaWorld-Expo Phase 2 development, which includes an indoor arena with a seating capacity of over 20,000, as well as future yacht berths and other infrastructure and business activities under the blueprint.