Latest news with #youthhostel
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Housing-starved Hong Kong turns Covid quarantine site into hostel
Once designated a quarantine facility during the Covid pandemic, a sprawling site in southern Kowloon, Hong Kong, is set to be home to a youth hostel for thousands of young people, as the city deals with a housing crisis. The project in Kai Tak, named Runway 1331 - after a former airport on the site - opened on Sunday for trial operations, offering 250 rooms for rent starting at HK$200 ($25; £19) a night. It's part of Hong Kong's Youth Hostel Scheme, which aims to house young people at affordable rates while they save up to rent or buy their own place. Houses in Hong Kong are among the most expensive in the world - and notoriously small. With waits for public rental flats lasting five years on average, many opt to rent subdivided flats where dozens of tenants are packed into a single apartment unit, also known as "coffin homes". In 2020, the first facility under Hong Kong's Youth Hostel Scheme started operations. The scheme supports non-governmental organisations to build and operate youth hostels where people can live for up to five years. There are currently two facilities in operation - both in the northwestern New Territories - which offer rooms to people aged 30 or below. The hostel unveiled in Kai Tak on Sunday offers rooms for people aged 40 or below. It also aims to be a cultural hub, with some rent-free rooms set aside for tenants with creative talents. These tenants are expected to give back to the community by organising workshops and other events to share their skills, according to local media. "We hope Runway 1331 ultimately will develop into the world's biggest incubator for the youth," said entrepreneur Winnie Chiu Wing-kwan, who is developing the project with a state-owned enterprise, the South China Morning Post reported. The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau said it hoped the community would also promote exchanges among Hong Kong tenants and youth from mainland China and abroad. The 11.5-hectare (28.4 acres) site, which consists of 3,000 unused quarantine rooms with private toilets, is expected to be fully operational later this year. There had been calls for such Covid quarantine facilities to be repurposed to fill the intense housing demand. The facility in Kai Tak is one of several quarantine sites that were built during the pandemic, and which could collectively house hundreds of thousands of people. As Covid restrictions lifted and these facilities emptied, calls mounted for them to be repurposed into residences to combat the city's yearslong housing shortage.
BBC News
11 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Hong Kong housing woes: Quarantine site turned into youth hostel
Once designated a quarantine facility during the Covid pandemic, a sprawling site in southern Kowloon, Hong Kong, is now home to a youth hostel for thousands of young people, as the city deals with a housing project in Kai Tak, named Runway 1331 - after a former airport on the site - opened on Sunday for trial operations, offering 250 rooms for rent starting at HK$200 ($25; £19) a night. It's part of Hong Kong's Youth Hostel Scheme, which aims to house young people at affordable rates while they save up to rent or buy their own in Hong Kong are among the most expensive in the world - and notoriously small. With waits for public rental flats lasting five years on average, many opt to rent subdivided flats where dozens of tenants are packed into a single apartment unit, also known as "coffin homes".In 2020, the first facility under Hong Kong's Youth Hostel Scheme started operations. The scheme supports non-governmental organisations to build and operate youth hostels where people can live for up to five are currently two facilities in operation - both in the northwestern New Territories - which offer rooms to people aged 30 or hostel unveiled in Kai Tak on Sunday offers rooms for people aged 40 or below. It also aims to be a cultural hub, with some rent-free rooms set aside for tenants with creative tenants are expected to give back to the community by organising workshops and other events to share their skills, according to local media."We hope Runway 1331 ultimately will develop into the world's biggest incubator for the youth," said entrepreneur Winnie Chiu Wing-kwan, who is developing the project with a state-owned enterprise, the South China Morning Post Home and Youth Affairs Bureau said it hoped the community would also promote exchanges among Hong Kong tenants and youth from mainland China and 11.5-hectare (28.4 acres) site, which consists of 3,000 unused quarantine rooms with private toilets, is expected to be fully operational later this had been calls for such Covid quarantine facilities to be repurposed to fill the intense housing facility in Kai Tak is one of several quarantine sites that were built during the pandemic, and which could collectively house hundreds of thousands of people. As Covid restrictions lifted and these facilities emptied, calls mounted for them to be repurposed into residences to combat the city's yearslong housing shortage.
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong Covid facility at old Kai Tak airport takes off as youth hostel, culture hub
An unused Covid-19 isolation facility at a prime sea-view site in the heart of Hong Kong will be transformed into a youth hostel and cultural hub, offering 2,900 units at affordable rates and expected to debut in September. The project, renamed 'Runway 1331' and located at the former Kai Tak airport, is expected to provide young people with opportunities for entrepreneurship, cultural exchange and talent development. Named after the old airport's single airstrip, designated Runway 13/31, the project has been developed by Glorise Tourism and Culture, a joint venture between the central government-owned China Tourism Group and entrepreneur Winnie Chiu Wing-kwan. Chiu is also president of hotel chain Dorsett Hospitality International. 'We hope Runway 1331 ultimately will develop into the world's biggest incubator for the youth,' Chiu said on Sunday. The accommodation is equipped with basics such as beds, televisions, tables and chairs. Photo: Sam Tsang The project utilises 3,000 unused isolation rooms with private toilets located in dozens of four-storey buildings on an 11.5-hectare (28.4 acres) site. The isolation facility was built during the Covid-19 pandemic with the support of the central government.
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
How young Hongkongers can chart their future after moving out of youth hostels
Kobe Chung Hao-yin and girlfriend Mandy Chung Man-kei have taken a step closer to being able to get married after moving into a youth hostel following months of searching for affordable housing in Hong Kong. Advertisement Kobe Chung, a 24-year-old working in the engineering sector, and Mandy Chung, also 24, earn a combined salary of about HK$30,000 (US$3,820) a month. They moved into the Po Leung Kuk Lee Shau Kee Youth Oasis in Yuen Long in November last year to help cut costs and build their savings. Like other hostel residents, the couple can only stay a maximum of five years, but the pair have yet to set a savings goal for marriage or plan for what they would do when they have to leave the facility. 'We haven't thought of that yet; it's much too far ahead,' Mandy said. Cases such as theirs have sparked calls from lawmakers for more support to ensure young people can climb the social ladder when they leave the hostels. Advertisement 'The most important thing about this scheme is that besides moving out on their own, they will be able to save money and use these savings to achieve their end goals, whether it is to buy a flat, start your own business or study for a master's degree,' legislator Benson Luk Hon-man said.
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Dubai Foundation for Women and Children inaugurates first residential Youth Hostel for male children
UAE, Dubai, Reinforcing the role of the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) in caring for and rehabilitating the groups most in need of care, His Excellency Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai, inaugurated the Youth Hostel, a specialized home for the care of male children aged 12 to 17 years within its premises. This significant step reflects DFWAC's advanced strategy in social welfare and demonstrates its commitment to providing comprehensive services that promote rehabilitation and social integration according to the highest international standards. Located within its premises, the newly inaugurated facility will significantly support the foundation's long-term strategy to provide inclusive and comprehensive services that promote rehabilitation and community reintegration in line with the highest international standards. The inauguration of the new Youth Hostel was attended by Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai and Chairman of the Emirates Talent Association; H.E. Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Board of the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, H.E. Mona Al Bahar, Vice Chairperson, and H.E. Sheikha Saeed Al Mansouri, Acting Director General of the Foundation, along with board members, senior officials, and staff of the Foundation. The expansion is part of DFWAC's ongoing efforts to broaden its services to cover all children, irrespective of gender, ensuring that no child facing the threat of violence is left without protection and care. Beyond its immediate impact, it will contribute to the ongoing development of Dubai's social welfare system, in line with the Child Rights Law and the strategic goals outlined in Dubai's Social Agenda 33. Comprehensive and Holistic Support This Youth Hostel will provide comprehensive support services, including a safe housing, access to clothing, nutrition, transportation, and recreational activities. Beyond these basics, children will benefit from advanced educational and healthcare support, as well as psychological and social rehabilitation programmes. Legal assistance is also available, aiming to help residents overcome trauma and rebuild stable, secure futures. Staffed by a multidisciplinary team—including a facility director, legal experts, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and residential supervisors—the youth hostel provides personalised, around-the-clock care. The team ensures that each child receives personalised care in a nurturing and structured environment. Rapid Response the newly inaugurated facility will feature a flexible admission system that allows for immediate response to cases referred by relevant authorities, following completion of the required legal procedures. It is designed to offer timely and specialised care while ensuring safety, dignity, and continuity of support. Her Excellency Sheikha Saeed Al Mansouri, Acting Director General of the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children stated, " The Youth Hostel represents more than just a new facility—it reflects our steadfast commitment to ensuring that no child is left to face hardship alone by establishing a comprehensive care system that provides children with safety, stability, and the support they need to heal". She added that through close collaboration with partners and by aligning efforts and strategies, they aim to create a better and safer future for children who have experienced hardship or trauma. Al Mansouri added that the foundation is committed to ensuring continuity of care and rehabilitation services while reinforcing its role as a leading institution in developing sustainable, long-term solutions for child protection and recovery. She added that this expansion is aligned with the Year of Community 2025, which aims to develop an integrated social system that promotes children's well-being and helps build brighter, more secure futures. Al Mansouri explained that the youth hostel offers a different, holistic, family-like care approach specifically designed for children's needs. It includes a full range of recreational, educational, and health resources, as well as programmes focused on fostering independence, improving life skills, and helping them move towards a secure and lasting future. It is worth noting that the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children is the first licensed non-profit shelter in the UAE for women and children, victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking. Established in 2007, the foundation provides protection and immediate support to vulnerable groups in accordance with the highest international standards. Since its inception, it has maintained its commitment to expanding its services and initiatives, reinforcing Dubai's position as a leading global model for social protection and child welfare.
