The Kowloon City Baptist Church has unveiled plans to build a new church at the cost of HKD1 billlion.
The church says it still needs HKD500 million, which they hope to collect from members, to be used for the construction of a 17-storey building in a new location.
The plan involves relocation from the group’s current site in Ma Tau Wai to Tung Lei Road at Wang Tau Hom.
Ming Pao estimates that if the donations were split evenly between the church’s 5,000 regular attendants, each member would have to donate HKD100,000.
Some estimate that the construction may end up costing up to HKD2 billion.
The new building would feature four main halls, which could house between 300 and 4,000 people, pastor quarters, a kindergarten, 200 parking spaces and a terrace garden.
In an interview with Ming Pao, the church chairman Ho Keng-wai stressed that any donations should be based on individual ability. He added that he is optimistic Christians will do their duty to provide what they are able.
The proposal has, unsurprisingly, attracted criticism for being too expensive.
One member believes the proposed land plot should be used for public housing.
Others expected foul play as high-end housing projects are being constructed around the existing site.
A statement from the lands department said the plot at Wong Tau Hom is not suitable for housing purposes, and the Church’s proposal is being reviewed.
The current church was built in 1964 and designed by the late Wong Yue-Kwong. Known for its pillar-free design, it was opened by then-Governor David Trench, according to Ming Pao.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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