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| HONG KONG | <Search <Archives <eBulletin Next> | ||
February 1, 2026 EOI Sought for Three Student Hostel Development Sites The Development Bureau is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) for developing post‑secondary student hostels on three commercial sites in Kai Tak, Siu Lek Yuen (Sha Tin), and Tung Chung East. Submissions are due by March 20. Policy Background and Market Response
Launched in July 2025, the Hostels in the City Scheme relaxes certain development controls to encourage private developers and operators to convert commercial buildings into student accommodation. Following strong uptake—24 applications involving about 5,000 beds, mostly wholesale conversions—the 2025 Policy Address expanded the scheme to include new‑build hostel projects.
Of the 24 applications, 22 have met eligibility requirements and are now progressing through planning and building approvals under the relaxed regime.
New Opportunity: Purpose‑Built Hostel Sites
For the first time, the Government plans to use open‑market land disposal to promote student hostel development. The three EOI sites:
- Are located in urban or extended urban areas with strong transport links and established amenities
- Are zoned Commercial, allowing hostel development under the scheme without additional planning applications
- Are formed sites with basic infrastructure already in place, enabling faster project mobilisation
Preliminary estimates suggest the sites could collectively deliver around 4,500 beds, subject to proponents’ design and layout.
Next Steps
Depending on market interest, one or more sites may be released for public tender in 2026–27. EOI documents are available on the Development Bureau’s <website>, and submissions must be made in soft copy by the stated deadline. (Reported by Building.hk)
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