Advertisement

Hong Kong to turn part of renowned Fanling golf course into homes amid housing crisis

Hong Kong Golf Club's Fanling course is to be partially converted into housing - AFP
Hong Kong Golf Club's Fanling course is to be partially converted into housing - AFP

A controversial plan to convert part of Hong Kong's historic Fanling golf course into public housing announced on Wednesday has been resisted by international golfing stars but praised by housing campaigners.

The city government of Hong Kong - home to the world's least affordable property market - accepted a proposal to take back less than a fifth of the exclusive, 170-hectare (420-acre) course as authorities scramble to find new land for housing.

Located near the border with mainland China, the colonial-era course is part of the Hong Kong Golf Club and has hosted the Hong Kong Open, a mainstay of the European and Asian Tours, every year since 1959.

Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Greg Norman and the late Peter Thomson are among those who have won at Fanling, whose short fairways, small greens and dog legs have won a legion of fans.

The club has argued that sacrificing a world-class sports venue is short-sighted, a stance echoed by top golfers who spoke out against the development plans including Mr McIlroy, Miguel Angel Jimenez and local golfing star Tiffany Chan.

But campaigners said the prime spot should not remain a playground for the wealthy elite in a city crying out for cheaper homes and more space.

Fanling golf course a favourite with homegrown and international stars - Credit: ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images
Fanling golf course is a favourite among homegrown and international stars Credit: ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam told the city's parliament on Wednesday that she accepted the decision would "offend and upset some people" but her administration had "to strike a balance in a difficult situation for the greatest public good".

The Fanling complex is an oasis of ancient trees and diverse wildlife, including turtles, owls and butterflies.

The oldest of its three 18-hole courses was built in 1911 on land that was home to the centuries-old graves of indigenous clans, whose descendants now have to skirt the greens to pay tribute to their ancestors. It also hosts the Hong Kong Ladies Open.

Under the plan approved by the government on Wednesday, only 32 hectares of the 172-hectare venue will be primarily turned into public housing allowing the rest to continue to operate as a golf course.

Fanling's clubhouse features a plush members' lounge where old photos and maps as well as a letter from Queen Elizabeth II's private secretary adorn the walls.

Finding somewhere affordable to live has become a major challenge for Hong Kongers - Credit: Elaine YUISAAC LAWRENCE/AFP/Getty Images
Finding somewhere affordable to live has become a major challenge for people in Hong Kong Credit: Elaine YUISAAC LAWRENCE/AFP/Getty Images

While non-members can play, one round costs $140 (£107). Last year an agent told AFP a corporate membership goes for around $2.2 million.

Hong Kong is in the grips of an acute housing crisis. Other proposed solutions also approved by the government on Wednesday include developing brownfield sites and large-scale reclamations - creating new lands from ocean or river beds - as well as building underground space.

While the plan to develop the golf course for housing represented a rare agreement between Hong Kong's pro-Beijing government and progressives, others proposals have met wider resistance.

Thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest against vast reclamation plans around the outlying Lantau island, citing colossal multi-billion dollar costs and the potential environmental impact.