Dear Colleagues,
Despite the successful effort to relocate a number of administrative offices to NEO, HKMU's recent success in student recruitment and expansion in research and knowledge transfer portfolios mean that we will continue to experience an acute shortage of space for at least the next three to four years.
On 26 January 2024, we received the good news that the Town Planning Board had approved the use of a sloping site at the junction of Sheung Shing Street and Fat Kwong Street for the construction of an academic complex, tentatively titled the HKMU Hub for Community Health and Wellness (HCHW). But even if everything goes smoothly, the new building will not be completed and ready for commissioning before 2028.
To address the current space shortage issue, colleagues in our Facilities Management Office have been exploring various short- and long-term solutions.
I am pleased to report that at the start of the Chinese New Year, the University entered into an agreement with LINK to lease an area of about 6,600 sq. ft. on the ground floor of Homantin Plaza until the HCHW is ready.
The tendering process has been completed for the leased space in Homantin Plaza and work will soon commence on the construction of two large classrooms (each with seating capacity of 120) and another 50-seat classroom. There will also be about 30 workstations for research students.
Our FMO colleagues will endeavour to make the “Homantin Plaza Learning Centre (HPLC)” operational before the start of the new academic year in September 2024.
I hope the HPLC will not only expand our teaching and learning space, but help enhance HKMU's rapport with the local community through the good behaviour and citizenship exhibited by the students, faculty and staff of HKMU.
Paul LAM Kwan-sing
President
