LCQ15: Promotion of urban sports
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Question:
In the 2023-2024 Budget, the Government proposed examining the conversion of some underutilised floors of the Kwun Chung Municipal Services Building into an "urban sports centre". The 2026-2027 Budget, announced earlier, also proposed the injection of $1.2 billion in the sports portion of the Arts and Sports Development Fund to further promote sports development. It has been reported that part of these funds will be used to strengthen the promotion of urban sports. Regarding the overall development of urban sports in Hong Kong, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the latest progress on the urban sports centre project; the expected funding application to be submitted to this Council, and the projected start date, completion schedule, and cost estimate for the project; and the expected date of the formal closure of the Kwun Chung Market to allow for the project-related conversion works;
(2) as it has been reported that authorities mentioned the refurbishment of the adjacent basketball courts at King George V Memorial Park while planning the "urban sports centre" to promote the development of 3-on-3 basketball; of the current progress of this work; based on current assessments, whether it is technically feasible to retrofit a canopy or cover over these basketball courts to provide an all-weather training and competition environment;
(3) as the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau stated at a press conference held on February 27, 2026 regarding measures in the 2026-2027 Budget, part of the resources from the additional funds injected into the sports portion of the Arts and Sports Development Fund will be used to continue the Urban Sports Funding Scheme (the Scheme), including the promotion of urban sports such as 3-on-3 basketball, skateboarding and sport climbing in schools and the community, of the respective funding allocations for the relevant sports; and
(4) whether the authorities will consider expanding the Funding Scheme to cover more urban sports?
Reply:
President,
My reply to the questions raised by the Hon Vincent Cheng is as follows:
(1) The Government plans to convert part of the Kwun Chung Municipal Services Building into an "urban sports centre" to provide venues for sports such as sport climbing, skateboarding and breaking. The technical feasibility study of the project has been completed, and pre-construction site surveys along with related design work are underway. We plan to invite tenders for the project in the end of 2027. Upon completion of the tendering exercise, we will seek funding approval from the Legislative Council in accordance with the public works procedures. The dates for commencing the project and closing the Kwun Chung Market are yet to be confirmed.
(2) King George V Memorial Park in Kowloon is adjacent to the Kwun Chung Municipal Services Building which is proposed for conversion into an "urban sports centre". The Leisure and Cultural Services Department is planning to convert the 5-a-side basketball court of the park into two 3-on-3 basketball courts, thereby developing the site as a hub for urban sports. The Government is conducting design and preparatory work, with the conversion works scheduled to commence within 2026.
Taking into consideration the views of relevant stakeholders, the Government has examined the feasibility of incorporating a canopy and spectator stands into the project. However, given the limited space of the existing basketball court and the substantial increase in project costs that would be incurred by constructing a canopy, these features are not proposed to be included in the scope of the present conversion works. Event organisers may, based on their needs, consider hiring temporary canopy and spectator seating when staging 3-on-3 basketball events to meet the competition requirements.
(3) and (4) The 2026-27 Budget proposes to inject $1.2 billion into the Arts and Sport Development Fund (Sports Portion) to support various areas. Among which, we will make use of the Fund to extend the Urban Sports Funding Scheme (USFS) for three years. We will continue to collaborate with the sports sector, schools and relevant sectors in promoting five urban sports, namely 3-on-3 basketball, futsal, sport climbing, skateboarding and breaking in schools and the community, and offering students and youths with more opportunities for training. The USFS is expected to benefit 10 000 students/youths at an estimated budget of $16 million per school year. The final amount of funding for each urban sports will be determined based on the actual number of applications that meet the requirements of the USFS.
The five urban sports being promoted have all been included in the Olympic Games or the Youth Olympic Games. Taking into account Hong Kong's current environment and relevant supporting facilities, we consider these five urban sports suitable for development and promotion in Hong Kong. We have no plans to expand the USFS to cover other urban sports at this stage.
Ends/Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:15
Issued at HKT 11:15
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