At the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area, the Civil Engineering & Development Department (CEDD) is breathing new life into facilities along the Tin Shui Wai river channel.
Bright future: CEDD Chief Engineer Chung Lok-chin explains that under the long-term plan for the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area, the western bank of the Tin Shui Wai river channel will be transformed into a 2-km-long riverside promenade. Image source: www.news.gov.hk
Transformed riverside
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Bright future: CEDD Chief Engineer Chung Lok-chin explains that under the long-term plan for the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area, the western bank of the Tin Shui Wai river channel will be transformed into a 2-km-long riverside promenade. Image source: www.news.gov.hk
Future vision: The mural represents the future of the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area. Image source: www.news.gov.hk
Unique charm: The design of the pavilion is inspired by the common egrets found along the Tin Shui Wai river. Image source: www.news.gov.hk
First step: CEDD Architect Chan Man-kong says the project team zeroed in on a stretch of the river between Tin Shui Estate and Tin Wah Estate for the first phase of the transformation. Image source: www.news.gov.hk
For the first phase of this transformation, the project team zeroed in on a stretch of the river between Tin Shui Estate and Tin Wah Estate.
CEDD Architect Chan Man-kong said they centred the design on the junction of the Tin Shui Wai river and Ha Tsuen channel, creating art paintings on the walls and pavement.
“This spot is precisely the starting point of the eastern side of the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area and is adjacent to Tin Shui Wai,” noted Mr Chan.
“On the left, is the vibrant town centre of the new development area and the happy smiles of the residents, while on the right is the lively traditional dragon dance celebration.
“Linking these two scenes together is the Tin Sum riverside and floodable open space in the middle. We have also specially incorporated the scenery of Lau Fau Shan and Deep Bay, as well as migratory birds, horseshoe crabs and fiddler crabs.”
Mr Chan added that the mural represents the future of the new development area.
Future vision: The mural represents the future of the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area. Image source: www.news.gov.hk
Facility face-lifts
Along the riverbank, two pergolas have been completely reimagined, each redesigned with its own distinct charm and character.
“The pavilion walls are decorated with the logo, colours and patterns of the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area,” explained Mr Chan. “And the design of another pavilion takes the common egrets found along the Tin Shui Wai river as the theme, using egret silhouettes with shades of blue to represent the sky and river water, creating an effect with simple patterns and lively colours.”
Turning this vision into reality relied on seamless teamwork and a shared goal across various departments.
In addition to the pavilion beautification, the CEDD was also responsible for feature art paintings and the provision of fitness bikes.
CEDD Engineer Bonnie Kwan noted that the Leisure & Cultural Services Department carried out the riverside landscaping, the Highways Department relayed the paving blocks and beautified the railings, while the Drainage Services Department shortened the fencing, all in an effort to make the overall environment more layered and more welcoming.
Unique charm: The design of the pavilion is inspired by the common egrets found along the Tin Shui Wai river. Image source: www.news.gov.hk
Embracing enhancements
Following the completion of the beautification works, the upgraded waterfront has been warmly received. Residents have said the riverside space is now more comfortable and vibrant, encouraging more people to stroll along the promenade and enjoy leisurely activities by the water.
CEDD Chief Engineer Chung Lok-chin said preparations are now underway for the next phase of work, with plans to select outstanding design proposals through a design competition to further enhance the riverside space through small-scale works.
“In the long term, under the planning of the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area, the western bank of the Tin Shui Wai river channel will be transformed into a 2-km-long riverside promenade,” explained Mr Chung.
“Bridges will be added to improve accessibility between both riversides, and more trees and flowers will be planted to beautify the environment for public use.”
First step: CEDD Architect Chan Man-kong says the project team zeroed in on a stretch of the river between Tin Shui Estate and Tin Wah Estate for the first phase of the transformation. Image source: www.news.gov.hk
Facing a chronic labour shortage and soaring construction costs, Hong Kong’s infrastructure sector is turning to advanced materials, technical innovation and standardised quality assurance to speed up constructions works.
Innovative application: An embankment at Yuen Long’s Shap Pat Heung Interchange marks Hong Kong’s first roadwork project to deploy locally developed Low Density Engineered Cementitious Composites (LD-ECC). Image source: www.news.gov.hk
Leading this effort is the Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi), established in August 2024 and wholly owned by the Financial Secretary Incorporated. Since its inception, the BTRi has advanced more than 45 innovative initiatives to modernise local practices towards high-efficiency development.
Pioneering concrete
An embankment at Yuen Long’s Shap Pat Heung Interchange has become Hong Kong’s first roadwork project to deploy Low Density Engineered Cementitious Composites (LD-ECC).
Despite its appearance as ordinary concrete, the locally developed material boasts higher compressive strength at roughly a quarter of traditional concrete’s weight and density, alongside self-healing micro-cracks properties and enhanced fatigue resistance.
Civil Engineering & Development Department (CEDD) Engineer Derrick Kwok explained that the team used 400mm x 400mm LD-ECC precast panels to build the permanent formwork before filling the interior with the material.
Enhanced performance: LD-ECC combines low density and high compressive strength with self-healing micro-crack properties and enhanced fatigue resistance. Image source: www.news.gov.hk
“It has completely transformed Hong Kong’s traditional retaining wall design, which relies on reinforced concrete. LD-ECC precast panels are relatively light,” Mr Kwok said.
“Workers do not need to lift heavy loads during assembly, which reduces the risk of injury.”
Slashing costs
He added that the new approach minimises heavy, noisy machinery, making it particularly well-suited for Hong Kong’s dense, space-constrained construction sites.
“The LD-ECC lightweight filling method eliminated complex workflows such as scaffolding, formwork and fixing reinforcement. The project construction time was cut by 50% and direct building costs dropped by 20%.”
Throughout the project, technical document reviews by the BTRi supported the team in transitioning this innovative material to real-world application.
Slashing costs: Civil Engineering & Development Department Engineer Derrick Kwok (right) says that the new construction method cut project time by 50% and reduced direct building costs by 20%. Image source: www.news.gov.hk
New guidelines
To drive wider adoption, the CEDD has commissioned the BTRi to draft technical guidelines for LD-ECC, slated for release in the second quarter of 2027.
According to BTRi's Deputy Section Head (Standards Advancement) Edwin Tang, the forthcoming guidelines will be highly comprehensive.
“They will cover the definition of LD-ECC, raw material performance specifications, testing standards, structural design methodologies, construction procedures and quality control requirements,” Mr Tang said.
He noted that the guidelines will serve as a key reference standard for future civil engineering projects.
“They are particularly applicable to road expansion works in constrained sites, lightweight backfilling and fast-track infrastructure projects with tight commissioning schedules,” Mr Tang said.
Promising results: BTRi Chief Executive Officer Alfred Wong notes that the BTRi has undertaken over 45 innovative initiatives, which are projected to save the construction industry $3.1 billion annually. Image source: www.news.gov.hk
Driving innovation
The BTRi drives construction innovation through three core missions: leading research and development for innovative materials like LD-ECC, advancing standards, and providing accreditation, certification and testing for construction products and Modular Integrated Construction manufacturers.
“To date, the BTRi has undertaken more than 45 innovation initiatives, which are projected to save the construction industry up to $3.1 billion annually,” said BTRi’s Chief Executive Officer Alfred Wong.
The 2026-27 Budget earmarked $100 million for the BTRi to conduct various studies, with a focus on updating construction standards and integrating artificial intelligence applications into construction projects.
“As new technologies, materials and construction machinery emerge, existing standards may not adequately address them,” said Mr Wong.
Important reference: Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi) Deputy Section Head (Standards Advancement) Edwin Tang says the LD-ECC technical guidelines, targeted for release in the second quarter of 2027, will serve as an important reference for future civil engineering projects. Image source: www.news.gov.hk
“To bridge this gap, we are developing dedicated technical guidelines, while harmonising regional standards with the Greater Bay Area. These efforts will provide the construction industry with a clear and reliable framework for the wider adoption of innovation.”
Mr Wong added that the institute plans to establish a benchmark assessment mechanism for artificial intelligence applications to ensure new solutions strictly align with government public works standards.
