The relocation will release the existing sites for housing and other uses to meet the long term social and economic needs of Hong Kong whilst ensuring a reliable, adequate and quality supply of water for the territory.

Tony Chik, divisional director of design and engineering services at SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins business in Asia Pacific, said: “The HKSAR Government is actively implementing its strategy to seek out land for housing, social and economic developments. Sustaining Hong Kong’s competitiveness with rock cavern development is one of the key approaches. We’re pleased to support our long-term client WSD as we can capitalise on our deep experience in complex cavern and tunnel developments in Hong Kong.”

The scope of this multi-disciplinary study includes the selection of a suitable site for its relocation, preliminary technical and impact assessments, site investigations, preparation of an outline design for the engineering works, formulation of the implementation strategy and programme, and public engagement. It will also involve a planning review of the future land use of the existing sites to establish a business case to confirm the financial viability of the project.

Dennis Fok, associate director of design and engineering services at SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins business in Asia Pacific, said: “For this we will adopt the New Engineering Contract (NEC) Professional Services Contract (PSC) form. The new contractual partnering approach will enable even closer collaboration with WSD to develop innovative, cost-effective and environmental friendly solutions for the sustainable development of Hong Kong.”

The study is expected to take approximately 24 months to complete.