Three-hour commute: ESF school’s plan to temporarily shift campus to New Territories sparks fears of student exodus
Island School redevelopment plan has parents and students upset about 20km trip from Hong Kong Island to makeshift location in Sha Tin; dedicated bus service now being discussed
Concern is growing that an English Schools Foundation (ESF) secondary school in Hong Kong’s Mid-Levels could face an exodus of students over a plan to temporarily relocate them to Sha Tin in the New Territories so that their existing campus can be redeveloped.
The prospect of a 20-kilometre journey caused such a stir that Island School chiefs have launched a dedicated website to address the concerns of students, teachers and parents.
Meanwhile, one local legislator said the government could have allocated the ESF school a makeshift campus closer to home as there are over 100 vacant school premises scattered across the city.
The temporary relocation - due to take place next summer - will create room to redevelop the school’s 45-year-old campus on Borrett Road. The project, partly funded by the government, is expected to cost HK$1 billion (US$128.9 million).
However, it could leave some students facing a daily three-hour commute.