Full Breakdown
Faulty Lift Installation Delays Reopening of Queen Mary Hospital’s New Block
9/9/2026, 5:34:02 AM
Core Event
The redevelopment of Clinical Block 1 at Queen Mary Hospital on Hong Kong Island has been stalled after structural errors were discovered in the building’s elevator shafts. The defects, described as “tilted” and “rhombus-shaped,” left 24 of the 28 new lifts unusable, preventing the block’s full commissioning and delaying the relocation of medical departments.
Official Statements & Responses
Development Secretary Bernadette Linn said the government will require the main contractor—a Paul Y-Able joint venture—and lift subcontractor Anlev Elex Elevator to bear all remedial costs, ensuring that public spending on the HK$13.5 billion project does not increase. Linn also defended the government’s “piecemeal-style disclosure” approach, arguing that full transparency at this stage could jeopardise future compensation claims. The Secretary announced a review of inspection and acceptance procedures by the Architectural Services Department and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, both of which have faced criticism for limited openness. She indicated that contractors expect to complete repairs in the final quarter of this year.
Data & Statistics
- Project cost: HK$13.5 billion (? US$1.7 billion).
- Lift deficiency: 24 of 28 lifts deemed unfit.
- Expected delay: up to one year before full block commissioning.
- Contractors held responsible: Paul Y-Able joint venture (main contractor) and Anlev Elex Elevator (lift subcontractor).
Verbatim Quotes
- “The errors may have left insufficient room for elevators to operate smoothly inside the buildings,” — Development Bernadette Linn, kong development secretary
- “Precisely because there could be contractual claims to be made later, it is undesirable to publicly discuss every detail at this stage… so as not to affect the government’s right to make compensation claims,” — Development Bernadette Linn, kong development secretary
- “Since deficiencies in the construction work have been identified, the relevant works departments will, in accordance with the contract, reserve the right to pursue claims for compensation,” — Development Bernadette Linn, kong development secretary
