Corporate Bits | Arcadis expects construction costs to increase

Construction costs in China and Macau are expected to go up by around 3 percent and 1 percent in 2018 and 2019 respectively, according to Arcadis’ latest 2018 China & Hong Kong Construction Cost Handbook.

A statement issued by Arcadis noted that Macau’s construction output shrank in 2017, with the wave of hospitality and gaming developments almost coming to an end. Although witnessing reduced volume of completed floor area and new works commencement in the private sector, expenditure increased on public infrastructure and building projects – partially offsetting the shortfall in the private sector.

Material prices overall in 2017 rose by around 3 percent, also largely attributed to the rebound in steel prices.

Meanwhile, growth in Hong Kong’s construction industry has slowed to its lowest rate since 2010 due to limited land resources and a lack of mega infrastructure projects.

Arcadis’ report predicts that construction activities in Hong Kong will be flat or fall this year, edging prices for building works down by -2 percent and –
1 percent on 2018 and 2019.

Palms café and bar presents ‘Belgian Wednesdays’

Palms Café and Bar at Sheraton Grand Macao will present the best of Belgium during “Belgian Wednesdays,” the company announced in a statement.

At this weekly feast, traditional favourites such as mussel pots, roasted pork knuckle and waffles will be served with premium Belgian beers.
Menu highlights include the mussel pot, where guests can have their live New Zealand green lip or sea blue mussels cooked to their liking.

A selection of seafood, including freshly-shucked oysters and poached lobster, are offered alongside hearty meat dishes like beef carbonnade and whole pork knuckle braised with red cabbage and apple.

Guests can opt for Belgian beers, such as Leffe, Duvel, and Pauwel Kwak, or beer- inspired cocktails like the Flemish Sandy (Stella Artois, ginger ale, peach schnapps) and Dikkenek (hoegaarden, vodka, lime).

The dessert menu includes waffles with a range of toppings, such as Belgian chocolate sauce and bourbon vanilla ice cream.