First building in Hong Kong’s university town project to be ready in months

Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, has announced that the first building in the university town project will be completed by the end of this year, marking the start of the 1,000-hectare development. The flagship tower, known as Loop Academy One, will bring together the research capabilities of leading local and non-local universities and institutions.

The three university towns, San Tin, Hung Shui Kiu, and Ta Kwu Ling, were proposed in 2024 with the aim of promoting synergy among industries, academia, and research to achieve integrated development in education, technology, and talent. Authorities plan to attract world-famous institutions and first-class scientific research institutes to establish a presence in the towns.

San Tin, originally allocated 52 hectares, will receive an additional large plot near the rail station, bringing its core campus to 300 hectares. The San Tin town's educational facilities will be connected to various strategic areas, including conservation, recreational, sports, and cultural facilities. The site is expected to be ready this year, with universities beginning to bid this month.

The first building in San Tin University Town, the flagship project, will be completed by the end of the year. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has allocated HK$3 billion to support the construction of an additional integrated teaching and scientific research building.