Former Quarantine Facility Transformed into Youth Hostel to Boost Local Tourism
Once a designated quarantine facility during the Covid pandemic, a large site in southern Kowloon, Hong Kong, is being transformed into a youth hostel to address the city’s ongoing housing crisis. The new project, named Runway 1331, opened for trial operations on Sunday and offers 250 rooms for rent, starting at an affordable HK$200 (approximately $25 or ยฃ19) per night. This initiative is part of Hong Kong’s Youth Hostel Scheme, which aims to provide young people with affordable housing options as they work towards securing their own living spaces.
Affordable Housing Initiative
Runway 1331 is a significant addition to Hong Kong’s efforts to tackle its housing crisis, where property prices are among the highest globally. The Youth Hostel Scheme, initiated in 2020, supports non-governmental organizations in establishing and managing youth hostels. These facilities allow young residents to stay for up to five years, providing them with a stable environment while they save for future housing. Currently, there are two operational hostels in the northwestern New Territories, catering to individuals aged 30 and below. The new Kai Tak hostel expands this age limit to 40, aiming to accommodate a broader range of young people in need of affordable housing.
Community and Cultural Hub
Beyond just providing accommodation, Runway 1331 aspires to be a cultural hub. The facility has designated some rent-free rooms for tenants with creative talents, who are expected to contribute to the community by organizing workshops and events. This initiative is designed to foster a sense of community and encourage skill-sharing among residents. Entrepreneur Winnie Chiu Wing-kwan, who is involved in the project’s development, expressed hopes that Runway 1331 will evolve into a significant incubator for youth, promoting creativity and collaboration.
Repurposing Quarantine Facilities
The 11.5-hectare site, which includes 3,000 unused quarantine rooms equipped with private bathrooms, is anticipated to be fully operational later this year. The transformation of these facilities comes in response to increasing demands for housing in Hong Kong, particularly as the city grapples with long waiting times for public rental flats, which average five years. Many young people have resorted to renting subdivided flats, often referred to as “coffin homes,” where multiple tenants share cramped living spaces. The repurposing of Covid quarantine sites into residential facilities has been a topic of discussion, with many advocating for such measures to alleviate the housing shortage.
Future Prospects
As Covid restrictions have eased and quarantine facilities have become vacant, there has been a growing call for their conversion into housing solutions. The Kai Tak hostel is one of several sites constructed during the pandemic that could potentially accommodate hundreds of thousands of residents. The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau has expressed hopes that Runway 1331 will not only serve local youth but also promote cultural exchanges with young people from mainland China and abroad. This initiative represents a proactive step towards addressing the pressing housing challenges faced by the younger population in Hong Kong.
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