One of the oldest camp sites in Hong Kong, located in Mui Wo on Lantau Island, is to undergo a major HK$140 million redevelopment funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. Operated by the Hong Kong Playground Association (HKPA), the new Jockey Club Silvermine Bay Outdoor Recreation Camp, with target completion in late 2015, will not only have larger residential capacity and better facilities, but also offer more recreational choices to the local community and help relieve demand for camp services among schools and family campers.
Today (5 July), Club Chairman T. Brian Stevenson joined HKPA Chairman Victor Hui and Project Steering Group Chairman Pang Sung-yuen to officiate at the camp’s Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony.
Noting that the facilities in the camp had become obsolete and worn out after more than 60 years of heavy use since it opened in 1952, Mr Stevenson said the Club was very happy to contribute to the redevelopment of one of the oldest and best-loved camp sites in Hong Kong. He added that this was a truly worthwhile project that could benefit people from all walks of life in Hong Kong.
The new 2,568-square-metre camp will see current residential capacity increased by 50 percent to 180 beds accommodated in 2 to 8-person dormitory units complete with private toilets and showers, so as to cater for different group sizes. The overall design includes a number of green features including green roofs, solar panels and shading, as well as an ecological garden and trail. New educational and recreation elements comprise a multi-purpose hall, multi-media rooms, an astronomy training workshop, an eco-education gallery, wall-climbing facility, archery and an adventure rope course.
With its larger capacity and better facilities, the new camp is expected to attract over 50,000 people annually to enjoy a wide range of recreational, adventure, eco-educational, and eco-tourism programmes.
Since 1941, the Charities Trust has contributed some HK$240 million towards over 110 HKPA projects in the spectrum of youth development and recreational facilities enhancement. A further HK$823 million has been donated to help renovate and upgrade facilities in 30 camps over the past 30 years.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world’s leading horse racing organisations, but also Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.95 billion in 2012/13. In addition, the Club is a major taxpayer, Hong Kong’s single largest by far, generating over HK$17.64 billion in 2012/13 for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.
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Club Chairman T. Brian Stevenson says the Club is very happy to contribute to the redevelopment of one of the oldest and best-loved camp sites in Hong Kong and this is a truly worthwhile project that can benefit people from all walks of life.
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Club Chairman T. Brian Stevenson (5th left), Hong Kong Playground Association Chairman Victor Hui (centre), the Cluba£į?s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (5th right), Project Steering Group Chairman Pang Sung-yuen (4th right) and other guests officiate at the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of HKPA Jockey Club Silvermine Bay Outdoor Recreation Camp.
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Club Chairman T. Brian Stevenson (2nd right), Hong Kong Playground Association Chairman Victor Hui (2nd left), the Cluba£į?s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (1st left) and Project Steering Group Chairman Pang Sung-yuen (1st right) perform the traditional roast pig-cutting ceremony.
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Club Chairman T. Brian Stevenson (back row, 5th right) and the Cluba£į?s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (back row, 5th left) pictured with young campers.
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