AAHK doubling Airport City development scale, including Jet Fresh Market

The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) on Thursday announced the details for expanding the scale of the Airport City by more than double, with the construction of AsiaWorld-Expo Phase 2, a yacht bay with ancillary facilities as well as setting up a food market for imported fresh food.

The mega projects, with the overall cost estimated at HK$100 billion, are expected to be completed in phases from 2026 to 2031. AAHK will invest HK$30 billion in the infrastructure of the projects, and around HK$8 billion will be obtained by loan, while investors will pay the rest.

The government aims to develop the Airport City -- combines the airport's core functions with related business segments -- into a world-leading landmark that integrates commercial activities, popular culture, art trading, entertainment and leisure to drive the economic development of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

The expanded Airport City blueprint is underpinned by land resources on the artificial islands near the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the bay area between the airport island and Tung Chung.

AAHK plans to develop a "Jet Fresh Market" to leverage its strengths in air cargo with supplies of fresh and high-end food products from around the globe, offering a gastronomy experience for tourists.

The mega project will also utilize the water resources adjacent to the airport island to develop a marina and ancillary facilities, which will provide around 600 berths. A diverse range of water leisure and recreation facilities will also be in place.

New projects include an ecosystem for the art industry, AsiaWorld-Expo Phase 2 development, a marina with ancillary facilities, a fresh food market, and more. These new projects will promote high-end commercial, tourism and leisure activities, and are expected to be completed from 2026 to 2031.

As for the Phase 2 development of AsiaWorld-Expo, it will include Hong Kong's largest multi-purpose indoor arena with a seating capacity of over 20,000 people. More convention and exhibition facilities will also paved the way for world-class entertainment events and international commercial and trade activities to be hosted in the city.

AAHK is also mulling to create an art ecosystem at the airport to put art creation, appreciation and trade under one roof, with an art community that comprises galleries and studios. 

A large-scale storage facility bespoke for artwork is also included in the project.

AAHK is also planning a brand-new "sportainment" complex on port islands that will combine novel indoor and outdoor sports concepts for adventure, exploration, sports and entertainment.