Sitting between Ma On Shan and Sai Kung town, the Sai Sha area is blessed with nature. It is embraced by Three Fathoms Cove to the north, within view of picturesque islands and lush mangroves, and framed by the majestic Ma On Shan mountain to the south. As part of an integrated development by Sun Hung Kai Properties, the area is being developed to include about 9,700 homes and upgraded infrastructure, including recreational and community facilities at Go Park Sai Sha – a 1.3 million sq ft mega-complex bringing together sport, entertainment, leisure and dining offerings. These enhancements will benefit both future and existing residents, turning the area into a vibrant new community, the developer says. “Since opening, we’ve welcomed more than 10,000 visitors every weekend. It has truly become a playground for families in Hong Kong,” says Judy Chow, general manager of leasing at Sun Hung Kai Real Estate Agency. “We hope that Go Park Sai Sha will attract more people to stay and explore Hong Kong, becoming a new travel destination in the city.” Opening to the public earlier this year, the ambitious project is part of the Sai Sha integrated mega-development undertaken by Sun Hung Kai Properties. Chow adds that the park’s facilities and leisure spaces are designed to accommodate the different needs of multi-generational families. Sport for all One of the biggest draws at the leisure hub is Go Park Sports, an outdoor space that spans 1 million square feet featuring professional venues for popular sports including football, tennis and golf, as well as emerging sports such as lacrosse, pickleball and padel. “While Hong Kong’s top athletes often train at designated sports institutions not open to the public, Go Park Sports aims to be both a sports park and a sports academy for everyone,” says Andy Chu, its director. “We hope to popularise sports and contribute to the sports industry of Hong Kong through our space.” To cater to both sport enthusiasts as well as beginners of all ages, the team at Go Park Sports has curated a wide array of activities. Many of these sports are partnered with reputable organisations, ensuring quality and credibility. The football facility, for instance, is in collaboration with Arsenal Football Development Hong Kong, supported by London’s renowned Arsenal Football Club. The golf driving range provides coaching and lessons with the Australian Golf Academy, while former Olympian swimmer Alex Fong Lik-sun will run programmes by the Hong Kong Swimming Academy at the complex’s indoor pool. Just Climb, which offers outdoor climbing courses, fun days and team-building activities, was founded by former Hong Kong competitive climber Danny Ho Sin-fai, while the running programmes are devised by long-distance runner and former Olympian Christy Yiu Kit-ching alongside Chan Ka-ho, one of the city’s top middle-distance runners. These programmes and facilities, along with a cycling track and the adjacent water sports area Go Park Aqua, serve as excellent training grounds for aspiring triathletes. The lacrosse field and tennis courts have become crucial training spots for the city’s professional sporting representatives and top associations. These include the Hong Kong, China Lacrosse Association and the Hong Kong, China Tennis Association, which offer courses to the public. Meanwhile, the pickleball courts – Hong Kong’s first dedicated outdoor venues for this emerging sport – are hugely popular among players at all levels, while the One Padel and Pickleball Academy aims to promote these emerging sports, offering training programmes as well as social events for families and individuals. “What we noticed in our research is that elderly individuals and teenagers are the groups less likely to engage in sports compared to other demographics,” Chu says. “By introducing fun and accessible emerging sports like padel and pickleball, we see groups of elderly individuals and teenagers embracing a healthier lifestyle here.” Families and pets The jewel in the crown of Go Park Sai Sha is the sports-themed commercial complex designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, featuring the firm’s signature curves and organic forms. “With the beautiful surroundings in Sai Sha, we didn’t want a traditional mall: Go Park Sai Sha is a park-oriented development, which is not common in Hong Kong,” Chow says, adding that the developer likens it to a “scenic backyard” for Hongkongers. A park-oriented mall means the architecture embraces the natural surroundings, with structures centred around outdoor parks and landscapes, including children’s parks spanning 40,000 square feet and another 3,000 square feet of park space dedicated to pets. The mall areas are designed to be family- and pet-friendly. There are more than a dozen restaurants and bars – most featuring outdoor dining areas – alongside shops and entertainment facilities. A 24,000 sq ft stadium can double as an indoor sports facility or a music venue accommodating up to 1,500 people, while an indoor swimming pool, fencing school and other indoor sports facilities make Go Park Sai Sha a destination for all weathers. Beyond the park Go Park Sai Sha’s work does not stop at the complex. As part of the developer’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, the project aims to enhance the community and surroundings in various ways. Sun Hung Kai Properties has been pioneering infrastructure improvements in the area – from widening roads and adding pedestrian bridges and bicycle tracks to expanding public transport services and upgrading the sewage system. The Go Park Sports team has also created an app that goes well beyond booking sports facilities or signing up for courses: individuals can also sign up for guided excursion tours in the surrounding area. For example, users can join hiking trips to Sham Chung, located on the northwest of the Sai Kung Peninsula, where participants can immerse themselves in nature while discovering the history of the village. Also available is a kayaking eco-adventure that educates users about the local mangrove ecosystem that stretches along the coast from Go Park Aqua. “While our project aims to be diverse and fun, the importance of Go Park Sai Sha isn’t just within these 1.3 million square feet,” Chow adds. “So few people know how beautiful Sai Sha actually is; we want people to start from here, to be interested and understand the community more.” Click here to learn more about Go Park Sai Sha and to download the Go Park Sports mobile app.