HK Architectural Services adopts ECC Option B in pool project

The Hong Kong government’s Architectural Services Department (ArchSD), a jade member of the NEC Users’ Group, has awarded a HK$758 million (£74 million) NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) Option B (priced contract with bill of quantities) to Unistress Building Construction Limited for construction of a new swimming pool complex in Tin Shui Wai in the North West Territories.

The work involves building an outdoor swimming pool and training pool, an indoor heated training pool and jacuzzi, landscaped seating and play areas, and a cycle track connected to Tin Sau Road Park cycle track. The contract includes secondary options X1, X7, X14 and X16, with additional conditions of contract regarding the use of dispute resolution advisor to help avoid and resolve disputes, a role similar to option W3 on a dispute resolution board in NEC4 ECC. The work started in September 2020 and is due for completion in 2023/2024.

Jointly organised events

The NEC Asia Pacific Users’ Group co-organised an online seminar with the Construction Industry Council (CIC), the Hong Kong Institute’s School of Professional Development in Construction (SPDC) and the Institution of Civil Engineers Hong Kong Association in November last year. NEC Users’ Group secretary Robert Gerrard and barrister Yeung Ming-Tai gave a presentation on how to handle different opinions between the project manager and contractor under NEC. The event was well attended with over 100 people logging in.

A second event in December 2020 was jointly run with CIC, SPDC and the Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers. Peter Clayton and Alexandar Rosati walked attendees through the legal and insurance perspectives of design, cost saving design and insurance under NEC contracts in Hong Kong.

Four future events are planned, which will be run with Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators, Hong Kong Mediation Council and Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors

For more information please email usersgroup@neccontract.com or visit CIC’s website