Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE) adopts the city concepts of being smart, green and resilient to the environment and climate for the first trial. The TCNTE project covers the areas on the eastern and western flanks of the existing Tung Chung New Town and reclamation is carried out in Tung Chung East, forming 130 hectares of land, which is equivalent to about six times the size of Victoria Park.

INNOVATIVE METHOD OF RECLAMATION – DEEP CEMENT MIXING

The reclamation for TCNTE is the first public works project using the Deep Cement Mixing (DCM) method for reclamation where no dredging or removal of marine mud on the seabed is involved. This method could solidify the marine mud to form strong DCM columns in a short period of time, which are able to support the seawall and reclamation fill. Apart from substantially shortening the time of reclamation, the DCM method does not involve dredging, removal and transport of marine mud, which can effectively lower the impact on the water quality and marine ecology.

CONSERVATION OF NATURAL HABITAT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT – ECO-SHORELINE

Along the 4.9km-long seawall of the reclamation area, the project introduces the first eco-shoreline in Hong Kong, which is about 3.8km in total length. There are three different designs adopted for the eco-shoreline, namely mangrove, rocky and vertical eco-shoreline. The eco-shoreline not only protects the waterfront but also provides a natural habitat for marine life and increases biodiversity.

INNOVATIVE DIGITAL MANAGEMENT

In the course of the works, the project adopts the latest “Digital Twin” technology to create a smart management platform. The platform utilises the “Digital Twin” technology to collect and consolidate various kinds of site construction data and records through Internet of Things (IoT) sensors. Such data and records are then sent to a smart platform adopting Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology to simulate operations of the construction site, creating a real-time “Digital Twin” of the site in the virtual space. This enables the project team to monitor the entire construction site in real time, allowing quick and accurate decision-making, as well as facilitating day-to-day site management and collaboration in the project team.

With the adoption of the above innovative technology, the reclamation works have been implemented in an effective, environmentally-friendly and sustainable manner. From its commencement in December 2017, it has taken only 27 months for the completion of the first piece of land which was subsequently handed over to the Housing Authority in March 2020 for public housing development. Since then, more pieces of land have been handed over for housing and integrated development. The remaining works under the reclamation project and the associated eco-shoreline are to complete in 2023.