Just as the detailed design of the new campus was finished, a new round of public engagement meetings began in April.

Two discussion sessions were held in April an July 2008, both receiving enthusiastic responses. 

The audience came from diverse backgrounds, including members of the Central and Western District Council, alumni, green groups, local community groups, as well as residents from the Belcher’s and other nearby areas. 

Attendants were interested in the models and display panels which showed the highlights of the features of our 21^st Century campus. They were also impressed with the pioneering sustainability features and the University’s commitment to preserve heritage buildings. 

Ms Katherine Ma, Director of Communications reiterated that public engagement is one of the key development principles. The University welcomes views from all stakeholders and more consultation sessions will be held in future, she said. 

Revitalisation of the Three Heritage Buildings 

The site of the Centennial Campus includes three heritage buildings which will be conserved in-situ. They include the Senior Staff Quarters, Workmen’s Quarters and the Elliot Treatment Works. They will be integrated into the design of the new campus. 

A Working Group on Heritage has been formed under the Project Group of Centennial Campus and Main Campus Redevelopment. The Group conducted two lively consultation sessions on the revitalisation of the three heritage buildings on 8 and 9 October. If you have any views or ideas, please visit our website (www4.hku.hk/cecampus) or email to us direct at ccviews@hku.hk.

Green light from the District Council secured 

The Central and Western District Council supported the Centennial Campus project in its meeting on May 15, 2008. Members of the Council were pleased with the design of the new campus, including the plan to plant 500 new trees throughout the new and existing campuses, the adoption of sustainability features, and the opening up of the future Centenary Garden for public use. Some members suggested opening up more campus facilities for the general public. 

HKU representatives stressed at the meeting that most of the campus is already open to the public, including its canteens and most open areas. The University will monitor the utilization of campus facilities after the introduction of the new curriculum in 2012 and study the feasibility of opening up more areas.