Govt. launches pilot scheme to convert hotels and office buildings into student dorms
發佈日期: 2025-06-20 21:04
TVB News
The government is rolling out a pilot scheme, allowing hotels and commercial buildings to be converted into student dorms.
Applications are expected to open in the middle of next month.
Currently, more than 79,000 non-local full-time students are studying in Hong Kong -- nearly double the figure from four years ago with the government anticipating a notable shortfall in accommodation for them.
To address this, a new pilot scheme proposes redefining "hotel" use to allow eligible hotel properties to be converted into student dormitories without the need to submit planning applications to the Town Planning Board or rezone the land use.
Developers will also be exempt from removing any excess gross floor area.
Covered car parks and unloading zones can be repurposed into facilities such as gyms, study rooms and laundry rooms.
Natural lighting and ventilation requirements will be aligned with those of licensed hotels.
For instance, the size of window glass should cover at least one-tenth of the floor area of each room and face streets with a minimum width of 4.5 metres.
Developers or operators can submit applications directly without going through universities.
Operators are required to submit annual audit reports to the Education Bureau. Approved conversion projects must be completed within 18 months.
Lawmaker Lau Chi-pang said the move can allow better management of student accommodation.
Caspar Tsui, executive director of the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners, expressed concerns that converting hotels to student dorms might cut the supply of rooms for tourists.
He wonders if the government can offer more flexibility, allowing owners to retain their hotel licences while only partially converting properties with more clarity on licensing and regulatory details.
A Development Bureau spokesperson said the scheme will not impose restrictions on hostel fees or the types of full-time students admitted.
The proposal will be deliberated at the Legislative Council next Tuesday with applications expected to open around mid-July.
