To consolidate Hong Kong's leading position in basic research, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) is planning to establish the "Global Innovation Centre" (GIC), an upstream technology research facility, in Pokfulam. The GIC aims to provide an enabling environment for scholars and academics to engage in transdisciplinary frontier research, which is crucial to developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub. The GIC will also serve to promote I&T advancement and long-term economic growth, aligning with the national and local macro development strategy.
The GIC proposal is undergoing statutory town planning procedures under the Town Planning Ordinance (TPO). Over the past few months, HKU has received constructive comments for the GIC development from different stakeholders. After carefully considering the public views collected, HKU has decided to take some time to strategically amend the development plan of the GIC, e.g. reducing the density of the proposed development and bulk of the building(s), increasing the setback area from neighbouring buildings, designating more green spaces, etc., to address stakeholders' opinions as much as practicable.
As a world-leading university, HKU shall remain committed to developing the GIC to meet its objectives while respecting the livability of the neighbourhood in Pokfulam. The project team of HKU will endeavour to step up engagement with the community through various channels so as to improve the development proposal and provide timely project updates in the upcoming process.
HKU has relayed the above to the Government and we would reiterate the same at the upcoming public hearing sessions to be conducted under the TPO.
