Subway’s new outlet at Kai Tak Sports Park marks a strategic step into one of Hong Kong’s most prestigious sports and entertainment venues, renowned as the world’s second-most expensive stadium complex. The design combines a sleek, modern Subway aesthetic with strict security and operational requirements unique to the arena.
Despite demanding access restrictions and intense compliance checks, the fit-out was completed in just 45 days. Opened in 2025, the store has quickly become a thriving hub, particularly during major events, highlighting Subway’s adaptability and our capability to deliver high-quality, bespoke retail spaces in challenging environments.
Project details
Construction Duration
~1.5 months
Location
Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong
Signature materials
Wood textures
White tiles
Subway green accents
Exposed industrial ceiling
Modular stainless-steel fixtures
Area
400 sqft.
Year
2025
CONCEPT & DESIGN INTENT
The vision for Subway at Kai Tak Sports Park was to establish a sleek, modern outlet that remains unmistakably recognizable as the Subway brand while adapting to the distinctive demands of a major international sports venue. The aesthetic merges contemporary retail trends—clean lines, bright spaces, and an industrial ceiling treatment—with a practical focus on operational efficiency and compliance. The design strikes a balance between a warm, inviting customer atmosphere and rigorous technical and security requirements, resulting in an enduring, functional space that resonates with both daily visitors and large-scale event crowds.
SPATIAL STRATEGY / PLANNING LOGIC
Occupying a compact footprint of approximately 400 square feet, the spatial planning required precise zoning and circulation solutions. The layout integrates:
A complete production line and food preparation zone
Refrigerated storage systems
Customer-facing service counters
Efficient circulation was paramount to ensure fast service during high-traffic events. The planning prioritizes logical workflow for staff operations while maintaining clear, unobstructed pathways for customer movement. Flexibility was embedded into the design, enabling rapid operational adjustments or secure lockdowns as necessitated by the venue’s security protocols.
GALLERY
MATERIALITY & DETAILING
The interior palette features:
Warm wood textures for visual warmth and brand alignment
Crisp white tiles for cleanliness and brightness
Signature Subway green accents to reinforce brand recognition
An exposed industrial ceiling was retained to accommodate dense MEP installations while contributing to a modern aesthetic. Focused LED spotlights were deployed to highlight fresh ingredients and maintain optimal visibility. Modular stainless-steel fixtures in the back of house promote hygiene, durability, and easy maintenance. Though sustainability measures are not explicitly detailed, the choice of durable, easily cleanable materials suggests a conscious approach to longevity and reduced lifecycle costs.
PROJECT GOALS & OUTCOMES
The vision for Subway at Kai Tak Sports Park was to establish a sleek, modern outlet that remains unmistakably recognizable as the Subway brand while adapting to the distinctive demands of a major international sports venue. The aesthetic merges contemporary retail trends—clean lines, bright spaces, and an industrial ceiling treatment—with a practical focus on operational efficiency and compliance. The design strikes a balance between a warm, inviting customer atmosphere and rigorous technical and security requirements, resulting in an enduring, functional space that resonates with both daily visitors and large-scale event crowds.
COLLABORATION & CONSTRAINTS
Key project constraints included:
Extensive security protocols affect both construction and operational planning
Strict venue requirements prohibit bottled or canned beverages, necessitating unique equipment and service solutions
Limited space demands an innovative layout and storage strategies
Dense technical infrastructure (MEP services) requiring careful coordination for ceiling design and service routing
Collaboration was critical. The team worked closely with:
Kai Tak Sport s Park management to navigate compliance and operational mandates
Equipment suppliers for customized beverage and food service solutions
Contractors skilled in executing high-precision work within a restricted-access site
Challenges were resolved through rigorous preparation, repeated design iterations, and proactive problem-solving, enabling a rapid construction phase of approximately 45 days despite significant logistical hurdles.
SUBWAY
KAI TAK SPORTS PARK - ARENA
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