Hong Kong authorities are considering relaxing rules for the construction of university student hostels in commercial and non-residential areas to ease a supply shortage.
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The proposal has attracted support from private operators, who said they currently needed to fulfil certain requirements when transforming hotels into hostels.
The Development Bureau told the Post it was considering scrapping or simplifying building procedures required for student hostels on commercial and non-residential sites.
“We are considering allowing student hostels in commercial and more non-residential zonings [to proceed] without the need for planning approval or, even if planning approval is required, only a simple planning procedure will be required,” the spokesman said.
The bureau said it aimed to encourage the conversion of hotels and other commercial buildings into student hostels on a self-financing and privately funded basis.
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In his annual policy address last October, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the government aimed to develop a “studying in Hong Kong” brand to help turn the city into an international hub for post-secondary education.