The Land & Development Advisory Committee has endorsed a University of Hong Kong proposal to convert or redevelop a former school building in Kennedy Town into a post-graduate hostel.

At its meeting today, committee members said the project will address the shortage of student hostel places.

The Development Opportunities Office has advised redevelopment is the best way forward as the proposed conversion approach will require demolishing a considerable portion of the existing building.

The committee also supported the proposed relocation of the Hong Kong Red Cross Headquarters from Harcourt Road, Admiralty, to Hoi Ting Road in West Kowloon to enable the organisation to continue its full range of community services.

It backed another project submitted by China Resources Property which will involve implementing city improvements works in Wan Chai North, taking the opportunity from the company's retrofitting and redevelopment of the China Resources Centre. Members said the project will improve vehicular and pedestrian flow in the area. They also supported the company's proposed upgrades to the Harbour Road Garden at its expense.