The government of Hong Kong announced on Feb. 20 that it will convert 80 acres of the private Hong Kong Golf Club to housing. The conversion will begin next year when the current lease expires in August, with the new apartments expected to be ready for occupancy in 2028.
The Hong Kong Golf Club is one of the oldest in the world, having been founded in 1889 when the territory was a British colony. The club moved to its current site in the New Territories in 1911.
Hong Kong holds the distinction of being the world’s most expensive housing market, and local news reports indicate the government was under intense pressure to build new apartment towers on the property, which is owned by the government and leased by the club.
Opponents of the plan cited the economic impact the course provides to the region through its annual hosting of the Hong Kong Open – an event sanctioned by the PGA. Other critics included environmentalist groups and preservationist organizations, which cited the vast wooded areas of the course that contain many important species, as well as the numerous historic structures.
The 425-acre club currently has three full-length courses (Old Course, Eden Course, New Course), and an executive 9-hole course (Deep Water Bay).
The government’s decision followed a report prepared by a Task Force on Land Supply, which made the recommendation. The Task Force submitted its report on Dec. 31. Read the government’s announcement here.