Bishop Hill hospital plan curtailed following Town Planning Board decision

Plans for a large, looming hospital to be built on historic Bishop Hill, adjacent to the FCC, have been curtailed after the Town Planning Board officially supported height restrictions.

Plans for a new 25-storey hospital proposed by the Sheng Kung Hui (Anglican church) – occupants of the site since the 1840s – had prompted significant objections from those in the neighbouring area. In February, the Town Planning Board imposed an 80 metres height restriction on any newly-built structure on the northern part of the site. Then, in early September, the Town Planning Commission officially confirmed these height restrictions, which ensures that the historic atmosphere of Bishop Hill will not be overwhelmed by new developments.

Campaigner and FCC member, John Batten, said: “This is a good decision for Hong Kong. The Anglican Church should now take a good look at the wonderful history of Bishop Hill and give up any judicial review that it is considering to challenge the Town Planning Board’s decision.”