ESR Group Limited (ESR), APAC’s largest real asset manager powered by the New Economy, in partnership with Chinachem Group (Chinachem), a leading property developer in Hong Kong, recently broke ground to begin the development of a prime cold storage and logistics facility in Kwai Chung, the first-of-its-kind and the largest to be built in Hong Kong in the last 20 years.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Lam Sai Hung, Secretary for Transport and Logistics, HKSAR Government, with the presence of Jeffrey Shen, Co-founder and Co-CEO, ESR Group; Chang Rui Hua, Managing Director, Business Management and Investment, ESR Hong Kong; and Allan Wang, Group Treasury Senior Director, ESR Group; as well as senior management from Chinachem Group including Donald Choi, Executive Director and CEO; Ricky Tsang, Executive Director and CFO; Damien Wu, Managing Director, Corporate Development.
Slated for completion in 2027 (with a new 50-year lease expiring in 2072), Kwai Chung Cold Storage Logistics Centre (“Cold Storage”) will play a major role in pioneering the future of logistics in Hong Kong and consolidating the city’s leadership as a regional logistics hub. Chinachem and ESR are bringing their combined expertise in project management and development to ensure a building of the highest quality is built. Further, ESR contributes its extensive experience in sustainable development such that Kwai Chung Cold Storage Logistics Centre will have the highest green building standards. To promote green transport, Chinachem Group, ESR, and CLPe will explore EV charging as a service to cater to future demand for electric commercial vehicles. In addition, tenants in the new facility will be able to maximise the use of rented space, including expanding to three levels of racking space. ESR, which will be the asset manager of the Kwai Chung Cold Storage Logistics Centre, has signed a letter of intent with one of Hong Kong’s largest 3PL firms and discussions with other potential tenants are underway.
Lam Sai Hung, Secretary for Transport and Logistics, said: “The Government attaches great importance to the development of the logistics industry and has spared no effort in providing a favourable business environment for the trade. One of the Government’s policy directions is to promote more efficient use of logistics land to support the upgrading and transformation of the logistics sector towards green and smart solutions, particularly in handling high-value and cold chain products. The industry’s development of new multi-storey modern logistics facilities could complement the Government’s effort in driving this policy direction.”
Jeffrey Shen and Stuart Gibson, ESR Group Co-founders and Co-CEOs, said: “We are proud to bring ESR’s leading expertise in investment, development and asset management for modern logistics facilities as well as the highest sustainable development standards to Hong Kong. With our partner Chinachem Group, we are confident that this new development will fulfil the growing demand for large-scale, cutting-edge logistics space while enabling Hong Kong to reinforce its position as a leading global logistics hub. In addition to the property’s state-of-the-art facilities, its strategic location also helps unleash the full potential value of the Kwai Chung vicinity and sustain the area’s long-term development by promoting job opportunities and economic growth.”
Chang Rui Hua, Managing Director, Business Management and Investment ESR Hong Kong, said: “ESR’s Kwai Chung facility will set a new benchmark in the industry not only with its scale and cutting-edge features such as automation but also a range of green features for tenants so they may provide more sustainable supply chains solutions.”
Speaking at the Groundbreaking Ceremony, Donald Choi, Executive Director and CEO of Chinachem Group, said, “We are thrilled to partner with ESR for the Kwai Chung Cold Storage Logistics Centre, marking our first significant investment in the logistics sector. We aim to enhance Hong Kong’s regional status as a logistics hub and accelerate its economic integration in the Greater Bay Area for its continuing prosperity. By adopting precast building elements and multi-trade integrated mechanical, electrical and plumbing modules (MiMEP), we actively reduce carbon emissions, demonstrating our commitment to protecting the environment. This collaboration advances our shared ESG priorities, pioneering the sustainable evolution of Hong Kong’s logistics sector while aligning with Chinachem Group’s commitment to the balance of People, Prosperity, and Planet. Together with ESR, our ambition is to shape the future of Hong Kong’s logistics sector by creating a legacy of sustainable development and prosperity.” The cold storage marks another milestone in Chinachem’s business diversification strategy.
Once completed, Kwai Chung Cold Storage Logistics Centre will embody industry best practices in its digital and automation technologies, operational flexibility, energy management and modern design to enable tenants to achieve greater efficiency and lower environmental impact.
Sustainable and Green Features
The Cold Storage will be built according to the most stringent green building standards to attain LEED Core, Shell Platinum, and BEAM Plus New Building Platinum certifications. Cutting-edge green and sustainable building features have been embedded in the building design, including a rainwater harvesting irrigation system, 300+ electric vehicle (EV) charging points, photovoltaic (PV) panels, and other renewable energy solutions. Additionally, 30% of the site area is designated for greenery.
Modern Logistics Features
To maximise the allowable Gross Floor Area of 138,000 square metres, the Cold Storage will be a seven-storey facility with two basement levels for car parking. Approval has been secured to add eight metres of height to the building, providing high headroom clearance for tenants. The facility also provides ramp access to all levels and automated logistics features, including dock levellers, dock shelters, and sectional doors. Future tenants may further implement other automated facilities.
Strategic Site Location
Strategically located at the junction of Mei Ching Road and Container Port Road South in Kwai Chung, with a direct connection from Tsing Ma Bridge and Stonecutters Bridge, the facility has easy access within an hour to established road networks to Hong Kong’s Central Business District, International Airport and the border to Mainland China.
ESR and Chinachem are confident in the prospects of logistics assets and believe the high-impact infrastructure project will make vital contributions to Hong Kong’s economic growth. As accessibility between cities in the Greater Bay Area improves, Hong Kong’s market will open to some 85 million people with accelerating e-commerce growth, especially the increasing demand for food items and pharmaceuticals, further stimulating the need for modern logistics space.
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