Hong Kong concern group fails in bid to stop Anglican church’s plan for 25-storey hospital in Central
Town Planning Board rejects application to rezone area into heritage precinct
A controversial proposal to build a 25-storey private hospital in Hong Kong’s business hub is likely to go forward after town planning authorities rejected a bid to foil the plan.
The Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui – the city’s Anglican church – announced last year it would build a 25-storey private hospital on the grounds of its historic Bishop’s House compound in Central.
The Town Planning Board on Friday rejected an application submitted by a concern group seeking a rezoning of two neighbouring sites into a heritage precinct, including the compound, as well as the imposition of height restrictions for any new developments or redevelopments in the area.
The 6.3 hectare area is predominantly low-rise in nature, and covers at least 13 historic buildings. Three of these, including Government House and St John’s Cathedral, are declared monuments.
Under the proposal, any new development or redevelopment of a building would not exceed its original height.