1. Background and Site Overview
On 4 August 2025, The University of Hong Kong (HKU) formally submitted a planning application to the Town Planning Board under Section 16 of the Town Planning Ordinance. The application concerns a portion of Lot No. 7704 in the Kennedy Town & Mount Davis Outline Zoning Plan (Plan No. S/H1/24), which is currently zoned as “Residential (Group B)” and approved for use as staff quarters.
2. Application Details
Proposed Changes
HKU proposes to convert part of the podium—levels LG1 to LG5—of the staff quarters for teaching and ancillary uses. The proposed new facilities include:
- Classrooms, student activity rooms, student organization rooms, and administrative offices
- Staff and student canteen (to support teaching facilities)
- Information technology facilities and data rooms
- Research rooms and laboratories (for use by the HKU Business School, not for scientific research)
- Mechanical and logistics areas
- Shared spaces between residential and teaching facilities (such as lift lobbies, stairways, corridors, and communal spaces)
Rationale and Planning Benefits
- Aligns with government policy to promote higher education development and provides urgently needed new teaching facilities
- Supports HKU’s long-term development and the vision and educational plans of the HKU Business School
- Enhances design flexibility and optimizes use of academic space
- Strengthens campus teaching facilities, benefitting students, staff, and the broader community
3. Assessment of Community and Environmental Impact
No Change to Approved Development Parameters
- The total approved area for staff quarters, building volume and height, gross floor area (GFA), projected student and staff numbers, and the number of parking spaces will all remain unchanged.
Compatible Land Uses
- The application only involves internal space reallocation, remaining compatible with both the staff quarters and surrounding uses.
Technical Assessment
- The planning application has passed comprehensive technical assessments, including traffic, drainage, sewage, environmental, and geotechnical studies.
- No insurmountable impacts are anticipated on the surrounding environment.
4. Public Consultation and Engagement
Transparent Information Sharing
- Full details of the planning application have been published on the Pokfield Road Campus website.
- A community briefing session was held on 29 July 2025 to seek feedback from local stakeholders.
Public Feedback
- The planning application will be available for public inspection from Q3 to Q4 2025.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will this conversion increase traffic or environmental burden?
A: The application has passed comprehensive technical assessments (including traffic and environmental studies), and no insurmountable impacts are expected for the surrounding area.
Q2: Will there be any increase in building height or population density?
A: No. All approved development parameters—including building height, volume, area, parking spaces, and projected student/staff numbers—will remain unchanged.
Q3: How can I get more information or provide feedback?
A: Please visit the Pokfield Road Campus website (https://pokfield.hku.hk), email us (pcomplex@hku.hk) or participate in the upcoming public consultation and inspection exercises.
(Updated on August 16, 2025)
