Hong Kong architects call for public projects to be launched early to avoid sector shrinking
- Institute of Architects chief Benny Chan says repeated failed tenders prompted some firms to lay off employees and force staff to go on unpaid leave
Hong Kong’s architectural sector has urged the government to bring forward public projects to save the industry from shrinking, saying repeated failed land bids have prompted some firms to lay off employees or force staff to go on unpaid leave.
Benny Chan Chak-bun, president of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, made the call on Monday after at least six land tender exercises had failed to pick a successful bidder since last year.
“I observed that some architecture firms figured out different ways to get through the difficult situation, including natural attrition or laying off employees,” Chan told a radio programme.
Analysts, including investment management company Colliers, said the lukewarm response was the result of a sluggish economy and complex development requirements, which diminished developers’ appetite to acquire new plots of land.
Chan said private projects had significantly decreased this year, greatly affecting the sector.
He also warned of a knock-on effect as architectural firms stepped in at an early stage, including preliminary design works, after developers bid for a site.
