New developments on campus will greatly enhance the atmosphere of the surroundings and provide students and staff with better facilities and much more space, according to Professor Y S Wong, Vice-President (Administration) of City University of Hong Kong.

 

“The improvements we are making are all for the betterment of campus facilities,” Professor Wong said.

 

CityU remains committed to providing its students with the best possible facilities and a campus environment conducive to hard work, convenience, efficiency and relaxation.

 

One project is the ongoing conversion of the Amphitheatre between the fourth and fifth floors of the Amenities Building into a fully air-conditioned multiple-purpose theatre with seating for 300.

 

“The new lecture theatre being built on the site of the Amphitheatre can be used for drama, concerts, debates, cultural events, and many other different kinds of activities, as well as for teaching,” Professor Wong said.

 

The new theatre would be fully air-conditioned, cool and comfortable, and could be used anytime of the year. “The converted Amphitheatre will add tremendously to the overall ambience of campus,” Professor Wong said.

 

Professor Wong explained that the Amphitheatre now under conversion had been the target of some concern in the past. Two years ago a group of students told the Campus Development Committee that the Amphitheatre was unsuitable for use because it was too hot and the area was reportedly affected by mosquitoes.

 

These consultations led to the suggestion that an air-conditioned venue would be of greater value allowing the area to be used year round.

 

Although space is at a premium, Professor Wong said other areas of campus such as the lawn and open space around Phase Three of the student hostels could be used for outdoor cultural, artistic or educational endeavours.

 

“The area around Phase Three is a very good location because it is open air and you have the magnificent backdrop of the Lion Rock behind you, adding to the mood and feel of the surroundings.” he said. “There is room for seating and it would be possible to recreate the feel of an amphitheatre.”

 

Two other projects on campus, both to be completed this year, would also work for the betterment of campus facilities, Professor Wong added. The new 210 square metre Greenhouse, located on the roof of the Academic Building, will offer teaching and research opportunities for postgraduate and undergraduate students in biology and environmental sciences.  

 

In addition, the two new 80-seater classrooms being built opposite the Greenhouse on the Academic Building rooftop will mean an easing of congestion in classrooms.

 

“We’re providing better indoor and outdoor facilities for students and staff to enjoy and make use of,” Professor Wong said.