CONSTRUCTION of a new campus for Lingnan College was inevitable when it was accredited to offer degree courses. The previous campus in Stubbs Road was small and over-crowded, did not have the status expected of a university and could not offer additional land on which to build students' hostels. P & T architects, backed by funding from the Government, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, generous benefactors and the Lingnan College alumni, ensured students would get an environment in which to develop their potential. The site chosen on the northern outskirts of Tuen Mun adjoins the Castle Peak Road and backs on to slopes leading to Tai Lam Country Park. The campus has a coherent architectural style. The main building and four academic blocks - one each for the faculties of Social Sciences, Arts, Business and the General Education Division - have lecture theatres, lecture rooms, audio-visual rooms, computer and language laboratories and project rooms. Students have access to a centre with audio-visual equipment and a room equipped with PCs. Outdoor sporting facilities include tennis courts and an Olympic-size swimming pool with seating for spectators. A large indoor sports complex houses a gymnasium capable of accommodating two basketball courts. The complex also has two squash courts, a table tennis room, a fitness room and changing room. An amenities building caters for staff and students. A club for staff includes a bar and restaurant. Space for student activities will serve for a darkroom, an artwork room, an audio-visual room, reading rooms, a music room, a photocopying room and a room for affiliated clubs. There is also a 600-seat student canteen. The main building houses a large auditorium for college functions and music and drama performances. One of the main features of the campus will be eight student hostels, each of which will house 250 students in twin bedrooms. Amenities include a common lounge per floor, a games room, TV rooms, a study room, a sick room and a laundry area. Students are living in Perowne Barracks until the construction of the first hostels is completed in September. Lingnan College is intended to be the only fully residential higher education campus in Hong Kong, although the college president, Professor Edward Chen, believes that some rental subsidy may be necessary to ensure that all the accommodation is occupied.
