University of Hong Kong must cut size of proposed research centre by 60%, residents say

University of Hong Kong has already agreed to scale back development of its Global Innovation Centre after strong local opposition

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Development of the Pok Fu Lam site would require 2,000 trees to be cut down. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 12:00pm, 5 Oct 2024Updated: 5:44pm, 5 Oct 2024

Residents insist that a proposed research centre in their neighbourhood should be relocated unless it is downsized by 60 per cent after Hong Kong’s oldest university agreed to scale it down and adjust the design.

Their calls followed an announcement by the University of Hong Kong (HKU) on Thursday night that it would scale back a proposed research centre near its main campus in the upmarket Pok Fu Lam neighbourhood amid strong opposition.

While the original plan was for construction of the Global Innovation Centre (GIC) to start in phases in 2027, there was no specific time frame following the decision to revise it, sources said.

The university had said the new centre would enable scholars and scientists to carry out transdisciplinary frontier research.

The HKUGIC Public Representation Group, formed by local residents, said it was cautiously optimistic after the latest announcement, but insisted relocation was needed unless the project was significantly scaled down.

“We will only support the plan if the site size and the development are both reduced appropriately, or if relocation is considered,” the group said.