Why do We Need more Campus Space?

As it continues to serve Hong Kong, the University measures itself against the best in the world - in teaching, research and the overall learning experience. But approaching its centenary, the University faces an unprecedented set of both challenges and opportunities.

The present campus is physically inadequate in many ways to meet and serve the University's present and future needs, with extremely limited opportunities for physical improvements to facilities, making it a less than ideal research and holistic learning environment.

To maintain its position as a leading regional institution, and to grow in stature and reputation globally, the University needs to attract and retain students and staff from all around the world. Today, a world-class university must attract the best staff and students and offer all its members an academic environment that helps them excel.

In 2012, under the new academic structure announced by the Government, the University will need to provide a four-year, broad and flexible undergraduate programme.

To determine the best path forward, a comprehensive review of the University's needs and exigencies was undertaken. The resulting five-year Strategic Development Plan (2003-2008), which includes the Millennium Master Plan (MMP) as an integral element, have lucidly prepared us for the great changes we can expect over the next five to six years. A major outcome of the MMP was the need for additional academic and other facilities.

The clear need for substantially increased facilities, and the availability of the land (identified as most suitable following a feasibility study) immediately adjacent to the University main campus to the west, present a unique opportunity. By utilising the plot of land, currently occupied by the Water Supplies Department, HKU will be able to:

Provide the necessary additional academic development.

Create a student village through linkages to the existing but somewhat isolated University student residential and amenities sites of Lady Ho Tung Hall, Flora Ho Sports Centre, Ricci Hall and St. John's College, thereby establishing their incorporation into the main campus.

Initiate a new main entrance to take advantage of the future MTR station and,

Decant space to facilitate rationalisation and improvement of the existing eastern campus.