The department’s recreation, sports and cultural facilities are indispensable contributors to making Hong Kong a liveable city, and one which enhances the sense of belonging of the people who live here. The department will work closely with the respective District Councils in identifying suitable sites for construction of facilities to meet the needs of local communities. Since 2000, we have completed over 130 projects at a total cost of approximately $29 billion. While new facilities are mainly provided through capital works projects costing above $30 million, the department also carries out minor works projects to improve its existing facilities.

New Facilities Completed

One capital works project was completed during the year; namely, the open space at Hing Wah Street West, Sham Shui Po. Located in the vicinity of several public and private housing estates, the open space is providing a wide range of leisure and sports facilities that are benefiting people of all ages. Please refer to Appendix 5 for the cost and completion date of this project.

Facilities under Construction

At the end of 2017-18, seven capital works projects were still in progress. Sports and leisure projects under construction included a bathing beach being developed at Lung Mei, Tai Po; a sports centre between Tsuen Wan Park and Tsuen Wan Road, Tsuen Wan; a Government complex in Area 14 (Siu Lun), Tuen Mun; a sports centre in Area 24D, Sha Tin; and a sports centre, community hall and football pitches in Area 1, Tai Po. Work in progress on cultural facilities included expansion and renovation of the Hong Kong Museum of Art, and construction of the East Kowloon Cultural Centre. Please refer to Appendix 6 for the start and target completion dates of these projects.

In January 2017, the Government announced a Five-year Plan to significantly increase the provision of sports and recreation facilities in Hong Kong. The plan includes proposals to launch 26 projects to develop new or improve existing sports and recreation facilities, and to conduct technical feasibility study for another 15 projects.