The Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) officially opened in Tai Po, marking a major step forward for Hong Kong’s environmental education and biodiversity conservation efforts.
The new facility, supported by HK$130m (US$16.6m) from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, will serve as a regional hub for sustainable living and nature based learning.
Senior government and organisational leaders attended the opening ceremony, including Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok ki, Hong Kong Jockey Club Deputy Chairman Lester Huang, KFBG Chairperson Andrew McAulay and The Hon Sir Michael Kadoorie. The event underscored broad public sector and philanthropic support for strengthening Hong Kong’s conservation capabilities.
Huang noted that sustainability is one of the Trust’s nine impact priorities and said the new centre demonstrates the Club’s ongoing commitment to fostering a more liveable and environmentally responsible city.
The five storey centre replaces an older conservation building dating back to the 1960s. The site is expected to host more than 42,000 visitors each year through a wide range of programmes that promote understanding of nature and biodiversity.
Sustainability features are integrated throughout the building, including natural daylighting, low e glass, a solar heating system and bird safe architectural elements. The design blends with its hillside surroundings and has achieved a Provisional Gold rating under the BEAM Plus New Buildings standard.
The project was made possible through the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s integrated business model, which channels revenue from racing and responsible sports wagering into substantial tax contributions, employment opportunities and long term charitable support across the community.
The centre replaces a 1960s era facility and is expected to welcome more than 42,000 visitors yearly
