PKL Installs 13 Kitchen & Dining Areas for 20,000 Journalists at Beijing 2008 IBC & MPC

Over 20,000 journalists supported by 3,500 staff covered the Summer Games operating from the Main Press Centre (MPC) and International Broadcast Centre (IBC) in Beijing.

Working through the master caterer, in total PKL supplied and installed 13 different kitchen, dining and servery areas to these buildings. This included over 600m of shop fitted food service counters, café bars and beverage outlets plus two main central production kitchens and two staff dining areas.

The unique factor for all these installations was that both IBC and MPC were permanent buildings, and the foodservice areas had to be developed into the spaces available. This led to challenges whereby both main kitchens were constructed in basement areas. The Games Organising Committee were responsible for the supply of all lead up services, but PKL had to liaise locally with Chinese building contractors to ensure that all gas, water, electric, air conditioning, lighting, extraction and floor finishes were specified and installed to plan.

To ensure a successful delivery, PKL established a project office in Beijing 12 months before the Games began. In addition to permanent PKL management and engineering staff, a team of Chinese project managers, translators and administrators were employed overcome any language, cultural and technical hurdles. All facilities were designed in full compliance with local fire, hygiene and construction standards.