Ghosts of Kai Tak and Don Muang Temp Redevelopment

Posted: 31 Oct 2009 | 9:07 am

Many parallels can be drawn between the enormous city specific properties of two of Asia's departed international airports with Hong Kong's Kai Tak and Bangkok's own Don Muang. Kai Tak which closed in 1998 has a land size of 320 hectares and is estimated in land value of US$ 20 to 40 billion; has remain vacant until now with the SAR Government unable to agree on a working model for redevelopment.

Don Muang which has suffered a series of openings and closings over the past few years remains very much a question mark and one that is considerably politically challenged. While Hong Kong looks to unlock the value of the land through s staged development starting with a international cruise terminal, residential housing and stadium.

Bangkok has a unique opportunity to develop a master planned mini metro with Don Muang and achieve something similar to Hong Kong, Singapore with Marina Bay and even gateway cities such as Manila and it's Fort Bonafacio redevelopment. Hopefully the opportunity to take the metropolis into the future will not be bypassed at the expense of taking a broader horizon.

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