Could the rest of Fanling Golf Course also face redevelopment beyond 2027? Hong Kong minister says it’s possible
- Secretary for Development Michael Wong says while authorities have spared most of site from housing projects in coming years, leases after 2027 ‘will not be automatically renewed’
The fate of a Hong Kong golf course beyond 2027 remains uncertain even as authorities spare most of it from development in the coming years, according to a minister.
Secretary for Development Michael Wong Wai-lun’s comments on Saturday followed the government’s announcement three days earlier that it would only redevelop a fifth of the 172-hectare Fanling Golf Course for much-needed housing, with no plans for the rest of the premises.
Authorities intend to renew the lease with operator Hong Kong Golf Club on the remaining 140 hectares when it expires next year, but the terms will run out by 2027.
“There will be more than 20 private recreational leases due to be renewed by 2027, and renewal will not automatically happen,” Wong said on a radio programme.
He said by then, in renewing leases, the government would consider if private recreational sites such as golf courses contributed to the city’s sports development and made themselves accessible to the public on occasions, as required.
There will be more than 20 private recreational leases due to be renewed by 2027, and renewal will not automatically happen
The Fanling site has been embroiled in controversy centred on space-starved Hong Kong’s housing needs. Developing part of the course was one of eight recommendations in a report released late last year by the government-appointed Task Force on Land Supply.