Plans for 12,000 public flats at Hong Kong’s Fanling golf course on track despite new tournament, Development Bureau says
- City leader John Lee has announced major tournament in October, only one month after part of famous course is returned to government for redevelopment
- Development bureau insists government will still take back 32-hectare site on golf course to build public housing
Hong Kong’s development authorities have insisted plans to build 12,000 public flats on a luxury golf course will go ahead despite an announcement by the chief executive during his Middle East trip that the Fanling site will host an international tournament in October.
The new Hong Kong tournament in the Aramco Team Series, which boasts a HK$40 million (US$5 million) global sponsorship, will see top golfers teeing off only a month after part of the city’s century-old course in Fanling is returned to the government for redevelopment, according to a timetable previously disclosed by the Development Bureau in September 2020.
The Development Bureau told the Post on Tuesday the government would take back the 32-hectare (79-acre) site that is part of the 172-hectare golf club this September as planned, and continue to pursue the public housing development on the golf course.
“In case the club requires any temporary additional land for operational purposes in organising major events in future, the relevant departments would be happy to provide assistance where possible,” the bureau’s spokeswoman said.
She added that the 12,000 flats to be built on the site were an important public housing supply in the decade.
Adding to two Asian tournaments set for March and April, as well as the Hong Kong Open in November, the Aramco Team Series – which is part of the Ladies European Tour – will be the fourth international event to be held at the course this year.
“The Aramco Team Series is the most visible expression of the growing relationship between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia,” a source close to the event said. “There will be a lot of effort put into ensuring it takes place to a high standard.
