THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG has been a Central and Western District landmark for 95 years, standing out from the rows of residential blocks below. But rapid commercial and residential development are encroaching on its lofty perch and forcing it to develop as it gears up to build its Centennial Campus by 2011.
The new campus will provide much-needed space to accommodate a substantial in the student population under four-year degrees from 2012.
Neighbouring residents are worried about an adverse impact on the tranquil surroundings and environment, but the expansion is said to be crucial to the university's strategic goal of becoming a leading university in Asia.
'I think we have to expand this site if HKU is to stand any chance of improving its reputation in the world,' said pro-vice-chancellor John Malpas, who is overseeing the Centennial Campus plan.
HKU ranked 33 in the Times Higher Education Supplement poll on institutions worldwide last year. Professor Malpas hopes it will be firmly within the top 25 by 2012-2015. Achieving this goal also requires an extra HK$8 billion to HK$10 billion for additional faculty and resources to boost HKU's international research reputation. The university also plans to hire an extra 200 staff over the next five years.
HKU has staged road shows and held community workshops and open forums to solicit feedback from the public and, not least of all, seek community support for the expansion plan. But opposition from neighbours, predominantly residents at The Belcher's, opposite the new campus, remains strong.
