Audit Commission wants government to review leases of 17 elite clubs
Audit Commission suggests land belonging to exclusive clubhouses, which face lease renewals within coming years, could be put to better use
The future of some of Hong Kong's best-known and most exclusive clubs is under scrutiny after the Audit Commission urged the government to consider taking back private clubhouses and putting the land to better use.
The Home Affairs Bureau asked in June to review 17 clubs whose leases were expiring soon - some next year - but the commission called for a timetable.
"As pointed out in the 2013 policy address, land shortage has seriously stifled social and economic development in Hong Kong," the commission said in its report released yesterday.
"It would appear that the Home Affairs Bureau, as the responsible policy bureau for private recreation leases, needs to work collaboratively with the Development Bureau to assess whether the leases due for renewal should be renewed."
Up for renewal next year are the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club's premises in Sai Kung - one of its three clubhouses - and the Hong Kong Youth Hostels Association in Tai Po.
Others facing renewal in the next few years include the Jockey Club Beas River Lodge in Sheung Shui (2015), Mong Kok District Cultural Recreational and Sports Association (2018) and Hong Kong Golf Club in (2020).
