Application for student hostel conversion begins

Streamlined application process and preferential area exemptions encourage stakeholders.

The “Hostels in the City” Scheme has started accepting applications on 21 July which streamlined development control procedures to encourage conversion of commercial buildings into student hostels on a self-financing privately funded basis.

Key measures include expanding the definition of “hotel” use to cover student hostel, planning procedures are no longer required as they were always permitted use in most commercial sites.

In addition, classifying student hostels as “non-domestic” under the Buildings Ordinance regime to offers plot ratio and site coverage concessions as well as gross floor area exemptions.

The Scheme welcomes converting an entire commercial building but accept partial conversion if specific conditions are fulfilled.

Buildings classified as industrial use or in industrial zonings are not accepted, but commercial buildings entirely converted from industrial buildings in non-industrial zones would be eligible under the Scheme.

The scheme was jointly announced by the Development Bureau (DEVB) and the Education Bureau (EDB). Interested stakeholders need to submit applications to the EDB using a prescribed form.

Developers or operators must sign a statutory declaration that it meets the eligibility criteria for the scheme when applying.

Student hostel under the Scheme must also submit a certified eligibility audit report to the EDB annually.

The government will take enforcement actions based on the statutory declaration, land lease, and relevant ordinances of any violation was detected.

Relevant detail and list of eligible applicants can be found on the website of the Scheme.