The government is reviewing its policy on private recreational leases affecting facilities such as the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling. Photo: HKEJ
The Hong Kong government is considering raising land prices for private golf courses and other recreational clubs.
An ongoing review of the policy on private recreational leases is expected to be completed by the end of this year, the Sky Post reported on Monday.
Depending on the results of the study, the government may impose market rates for such facilities when they renew their contracts for land use, a source said.
Currently, the government either allocates free land or imposes a token fee for the lease of land for such facilities.
In addition, the government may ask private clubs to increase the time they are open to the public, the report said.
Industry insiders say some small and medium-sized sports clubs may choose to close their facilities when their lease contracts expire in the face of rising costs.
Bigger facilities, such as the Fanling golf course, are expected to cover increased costs by raising membership fees.
Any increase in land leases is not expected to take effect until 2028. The Home Affairs Bureau had approved 47 private clubs’ applications to operate in 2013, with their contracts subject to renewal only after 15 years.
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