The government is actively promoting the MiC method, and the private sector is responding enthusiastically. The latest project to adopt this technology is the Kai Tak Area 2A Site 2 (2A2), developed by a consortium led by Sino Land (00083). The consortium recently submitted a development proposal to the Town Planning Board, suggesting a slight relaxation of the height restriction for the site to build a 35-story commercial-residential building with three basement levels, providing up to 930 units, with the residential portion utilizing MiC technology.
In September last year, a consortium formed by Sino Land and China Overseas (00688) purchased the Kai Tak 2A2 and adjacent Kai Tak Area 2A Site 3 (2A3) sites (collectively known as the 2A Area Project) for HK$5.35 billion. The 2A2 site is zoned "Comprehensive Development Area (4)", and its master development plan must be approved by the Town Planning Board.
The entire 2A Area Project will provide approximately 992,000 square feet of floor space. The consortium plans to build a 35-story building (with three basement levels) on the 2A2 site, including residential, retail, basement parking, and an underground shopping street. The residential portion will adopt the MiC method, which better controls quality, simplifies the construction process, reduces disruption to surrounding residents, and minimizes construction waste.
To facilitate the development, Sino Land is applying to slightly increase the height restriction of 2A2 from 125 meters (above principal datum) by about 3.2% to approximately 129 meters, with a total floor area of about 506,200 square feet. The residential portion will provide up to 930 units, each averaging about 474 square feet, expected to accommodate approximately 2,232 residents, with completion planned for 2029.
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Sino Land highlighted that the slight height increase would have minimal impact on the surrounding visual landscape and that the plan preserves the ambiance of the Lung Tsun Stone Bridge preservation corridor and includes a ground-level retail belt, improving the pedestrian environment.
The consortium plans to apply for building plans for the entire 2A Area Project in two stages. The 2A3 site, zoned "Residential (Group A) 6", does not require a development proposal submission to the Town Planning Board and will apply for approval first. The 2A2 site will apply for approval after the Town Planning Board approves its master development plan.
Furthermore, the use of MiC technology is becoming increasingly common in the real estate market. This construction method can significantly enhance construction efficiency and quality control, reduce construction time and costs, and greatly minimize the negative environmental impact of construction. MiC technology involves prefabricating building modules in a factory and assembling them on-site, reducing the complexity and uncertainty of on-site construction, making the entire construction process more controllable and efficient.
In a densely populated urban environment like Hong Kong, construction noise and its impact on surrounding communities are significant considerations. The application of MiC technology helps mitigate these negative impacts, enhancing site safety and environmental friendliness. Additionally, the efficiency of modular construction helps alleviate the current housing supply pressure by accelerating the delivery of new residential units.
Sino Land stated that adopting MiC technology aligns with the Hong Kong government's policies on promoting green buildings and sustainable development while also bringing higher quality and more competitive products to the market. As the technology continues to mature and its application scope expands, it is expected that more real estate development projects will adopt this technology in the future.
