STUDENTS at the Open Learning Institute (OLI) might soon find themselves studying in an off-course betting centre in a bid to make better use of new Jockey Club facilities in the New Territories.
The 50,000-square-foot centre in Tuen Mun opened last year includes two small theatres with seating for 500 people and the Jockey Club has been trying to find ways of making use of the facilities on non-race days.
The Jockey Club hopes to open the betting hall and the two auditoriums for private study, seminars and lectures for OLI students.
Teaching facilities like projectors, audio and video sets would be provided by the Jockey Club, and lectures could be given in the two auditoriums on the first floor of the betting centre each of which could seat more than 200 students.
The centre, the largest in the territory, is equipped with the most advanced electronic betting systems, including self-vending terminals to provide facilities for Tuen Mun residents who cannot reach the Sha Tin race track.
OLI publicity officer Angel Yip Yan-kuen said the institute was discussing opening hours and floor arrangements with the Jockey Club and she hoped students could start using the premises when the new school term started in October.