Residents in southern Hong Kong warn of legal action if university builds research hub
- University of Hong Kong argues its Global Innovation Centre will help spur city’s transformation into innovation and technology hub as envisioned by Beijing
- But residents in Pok Fu Lam say they will consider seeking judicial review if project that requires cutting down thousands of trees, rezoning green belts goes ahead
A plan to build a large innovation research hub at Hong Kong’s oldest university has encountered strong opposition from more than 3,000 residents, who have called for it to be relocated and warned of mounting a legal challenge.
The residents said the project would require the removal of thousands of trees and worsen traffic in Pok Fu Lam, while also complaining about a lack of public consultation from the University of Hong Kong (HKU).
“Building a global innovation centre is a great idea and all residents support that,” said Gregory De Eb, a representative of the HKUGIC Public Representation Group, comprising more than 3,000 residents in Southern district.
“However, Pok Fu Lam is not the appropriate place … we suggest that the San Tin Technopole in Yuen Long would be one of the alternative options.”
He was referring to a planned technology hub near the border with mainland China.
According to the university, the Global Innovation Centre, spanning 4.72 hectares (11.6 acres) on Pok Fu Lam Road near Queen Mary Hospital, is expected to be a world-class academic and scientific research facility. It would also include space for teaching, conferences, offices, staff quarters, catering and support facilities, as well as landscaped areas open to the public.