Year
2026Duration
10 yearsCost
$10.60B HKDLocation
Hong KongProject achievements
Connected communities
Improved pedestrian links make it easier to travel between neighbourhoods
Environment benefitted
Used blue-green infrastructure to provide flood protection
Solved the problem
Addresses the challenges of a subtropical monsoon climate
Transform a disused quarry into a sustainable community
The Anderson Road Quarry development project is transforming a 40-hectare disused quarry into a sustainable community for over 30,000 residents.
It combines housing, commerce, and recreation while providing flood protection amid a subtropical monsoon climate that sees over 3,000mm of rainfall every year.
The project pioneers blue-green infrastructure and “sponge city” concepts, including an artificial flood retention lake, an underground stormwater retention tank (USRT), permeable paving and bioswales.
Its creative design in sustainable development earned it the Edmund Hambly Medal at the 2026 ICE Awards.
Did you know …
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Featuring Hong Kong’s first lake park, the site combines flood control and recreation, pioneering blue-green infrastructure and “sponge city” concepts.
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Footbridge construction involved prefabricated units and Grade S690 high-strength steel materials.
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The grey water recycling system at the Anderson Road Quarry site is the first of its kind to be adopted at district scale in Hong Kong.
Anderson Road Quarry Flood Lake Park
The Anderson Road Quarry Flood Lake Park (ARQFLP) is the first project of its kind in Hong Kong.
As well as helping to reduce flooding during heavy rainfall, it provides an attractive public space for people to enjoy.
The lake can store around 24,000m3 of rainwater, roughly around 10 Olympic-sized swimming pools, across an area of one hectare.
By holding back excess rain, it significantly relieves pressure on older drainage systems in downstream districts, preventing severe flooding.
Rainwater flows into the lake through surface channels and planted drainage features called bioswales, which help remove debris and pollution. This also supports groundwater recharge, while reducing erosion and flooding.
Most of the rainwater is stored and treated at a new water treatment plant before being used for irrigation, helping to save fresh water.
A smart monitoring system keeps track of water levels and automatically releases excess water when needed to help prevent flooding.
Underground stormwater retention tank
To further reduce flooding at the Anderson Road Quarry site and in areas downstream, a large underground stormwater retention tank (USRT) was built under the district open space.
The tank serves a catchment area of 500,000m2 and can hold up to 60,000m3 of water, about the same as 24 Olympic-sized swimming pools. It's the second largest storage tank in Hong Kong.
During heavy rainfall, the tank stores excess rainwater and then releases it in a controlled way after the storm.
This helps prevent local drainage systems becoming overwhelmed and also provides a more reliable flow of water to the Tsui Ping River.
Pedestrian connectivity facilities
The project has also created 12 new pedestrian links that make it easier for people to travel between the Anderson Road Quarry development and nearby housing estates, the Kwun Tong town centre and the local bus-to-bus interchange.
These new routes offer quicker, more direct access to key landmarks and community facilitates.
With smoother routes and better connections, residents can enjoy a more pleasant walking experience. This supports wellbeing and fosters a stronger sense of community, improving overall neighbourhood accessibility for everyone.
The facilities have been designed to be accessible to everyone, including older people and those with disabilities.
They also make it easier and safer to reach nearby schools, nursing homes and other community facilities, helping to create a more inclusive neighbourhood.
People who made it happen
- Ir Michael Leung JP, project manager (east), Civil Engineering and Development Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region
- Ir Carrie Leung, deputy project manager (east), Civil Engineering and Development Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region
- Ir Marco Lee, chief engineer, Civil Engineering and Development Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region
- Ivan Tsang, vice president, transportation, AECOM Asia Co. Ltd.
- Chun Wo Construction and Engineering Co Ltd
- Chun Wo-STEC-Vasteam Joint Venture
- Chun Wo Development Holdings Ltd - China Metallurgical Group Corporation Joint Venture
- China International Water and Electric Corporation