The Airport Authority will assume control of the 11 Skies commercial development in April, aiming to transform it into a premier high-end tourism destination with limited public funding, according to Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan. The agreement follows New World Development’s decision to return the project amid financial difficulties.
New World Development, struggling with significant losses, will contribute over HK$3 billion in cash or equivalents as part of the handover, which includes an entertainment complex and three office towers. Chan described the arrangement as a practical resolution and welcomed the collaboration between the government and the developer.
The authority plans to align 11 Skies with its broader Airport City initiative, which focuses on expanding Hong Kong International Airport’s role as a key aviation hub while establishing it as a destination for business and leisure. The project is scheduled to open in the 2028-29 financial year.
“We expect the authority to turn the project into a core landmark for high-end aviation, luxury retail, arts and culture, tourism, and water sports such as yachting,” Chan said. A dedicated team will work to enhance the original plan by upgrading office spaces, shops, and restaurants, while incorporating more interactive and experiential activities tailored especially for transit passengers.
The development will coincide with the scheduled opening of Airport Terminal 2 at the end of next year and the completion of Phase 2 of AsiaWorld-Expo in 2028, enabling visitors to access a range of entertainment options, including concerts. Integration with autonomous vehicle technology is also planned, creating a “SkyCity Corridor” that will connect the site to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and provide seamless transport options for travelers.
Regarding financing, Chan emphasized that the government intends to oversee the Airport Authority’s efforts carefully to minimize public investment. The authority will conduct detailed commercial viability assessments, including return on investment estimates for individual components, and pursue external investors through tenders for smaller project elements.
Originally valued at approximately HK$20 billion, 11 Skies is designed to complement Skytopia, a landmark project surrounding the airport dedicated to commercial, cultural, leisure, and entertainment facilities with an estimated value of HK$100 billion. The development is set to feature three Grade A office towers totaling around 570,000 square feet, along with retail and dining venues, reinforcing the airport area’s position as a major tourism and business hub.