The main construction works for Hong Kong’s M+ museum are set to be tendered soon, chief secretary Carrie Lam said at a time-capsule ceremony for the project.
She said that the project’s move from the design stage to construction marks a significant milestone in the development of the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) project.Atkins is managing implementation of key elements of WKCD and Mott MacDonald is designing the infrastructure.
M+ will be a museum for visual culture, focusing on 20th and 21st century art, design and architecture, and moving images from Hong Kong, China, Asia and beyond.
The winning design team of Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron together with TFP Farrells and Ove Arup & Partners HK was chosen in June 2013. Since then, the government’s M+ team has been working closely with the designer on the building’s schematic and detailed design.
The foundation works started in August last year and the main construction works will be put out to tendered soon. The target is to complete construction within 2018 with a view to opening the museum building in 2019.
Lam said:
“The 60,000m2 M+ building will be an iconic landmark along the Victoria Harbourfront setting against the massive backdrop of skyscrapers,”
“It will house a full range of museum facilities including display spaces, studios, learning and research areas, museum shops and cafes as well as plenty of public open spaces and greenery for arts lovers and the general public to enjoy.”
Meanwhile, the museum is building up its collections. A benefactor donated more than 1,400 pieces of Chinese contemporary art works in summer of 2012; the collection has since grown to about 4,100 works and has been displayed online.