Kai Tak Isolation Facility Transformed into Hostel, Begins Trial Operations Today with Single Rooms Starting at HK$200

The former Kai Tak Airport runway area underwent a significant transformation yesterday, with the centrally funded community isolation facility officially repurposed as a youth hostel. The first phase of the hostel began trial operations, offering 250 rooms initially available for youth groups to apply for, with promotional rates starting at HK$200 per night for a single room.

Upon full completion, the project will provide 2,000 rooms, accommodating up to 5,000 people. In addition to the youth hostel, the site includes co-working spaces, performance venues, outdoor activity areas, and a drone show zone, aiming to serve as a hub for youth creativity and innovation.

Last year’s Policy Address proposed transforming the Kai Tak temporary hospital into a “Youth Station” hostel and a space for youth cultural, artistic, and sports exchanges. The project was awarded to Bo Shing Culture and Tourism, a company primarily owned by a subsidiary of China Tourism Group.

Yau Wing-kwan, a director at Bo Shing, stated that the youth hostel will be developed in four phases, with the first phase offering 250 rooms. The entire project will feature 2,000 rooms, and the operator opened the site to media yesterday, showcasing at least three room types: single, double, and triple rooms, equipped with private bathrooms, TVs, air conditioning, and other basic amenities. During the trial period, single rooms start at a minimum of HK$200 per night.

Positioned as a youth creative incubator, Yau Wing-kwan emphasized that at least 100 free accommodation spots will be reserved for talented cultural and artistic workers selected through a professional review process, provided they contribute to the community. The youth hostel is set to officially commence operations in September this year, with long-term monthly rentals ranging from HK$3,000 to HK$6,000. The operator aims for half of the residents to be aged 19 to 40, with priority given to those with “talents,” and welcomes applications from overseas university students.