1880 Hong Kong club folds after 7 months, accused of owing staff unpaid wages
City’s branch of Singapore-based private club ceases operations allegedly owing rent and leaving more than 100 staff out of pocket
The Hong Kong branch of a Singapore-based private club that closed after just seven months in operation has been accused of owing rent and wages of more than 100 employees, with the Labour Department receiving requests for help from affected workers.
1880 Hong Kong, located at Swire Properties’ Two Taikoo Place office complex in Quarry Bay, on Friday announced it was closing, citing “cash flow difficulties” and failed attempts to raise funds. All memberships and associated privileges were discontinued.
The landlord told the Post that “rent and other arrears” were still owed but declined to disclose more details due to confidentiality concerns. The landlord has repossessed the premises.
The club, which opened its doors on November 8 last year, occupied four floors offering event spaces, a gym with spa facilities and several restaurants.
In an internal letter seen by the Post, founder Marc Nicolson apologised to his employees for the closure, saying the “deal” they had been trying to close had been unsuccessful.
He said he had believed he could raise the capital to save the company, but he acknowledged his efforts were in vain, saying “I was wrong and I’m deeply sorry”.