Ap Lei Chau Municipal Services Building
Known in Chinese as 鴨脷洲市政大廈, the Ap Lei Chau Municipal Services Building is at 8 Hung Shing Street on Ap Lei Chau, an island in Hong Kong’s Southern District. It serves as a community hub, with public facilities including the Ap Lei Chau Sports Centre and Ap Lei Chau Public Library.
History
Ap Lei Chau, also known as Aberdeen Island, was ceded to the British under the 1841 Treaty of Nanking, along with Hong Kong Island. Its history under British rule was relatively uneventful until the late 20th century. In 1968, Hongkong Electric opened a power station on the island to supply electricity to Hong Kong Island. The power station was relocated to Lamma Island in 1989, and its site was redeveloped into the South Horizons residential area. (Wikipedia)
The building’s construction began on January 19, 1996, and it officially opened on March 27, 1999. It was one of the last municipal buildings completed before the dissolution of the Urban Council, which undertook the project. The six-storey building covers 2,900 square meters, has five elevators and was the first municipal building under the former Urban Council to feature air conditioning. Construction cost HK$171 million. In 2005, its exterior was renovated to update the facade and improve structural integrity. (Wikipedia)
Bridges built in 1980 and 1994 connected Ap Lei Chau to Hong Kong Island and helped spur rapid economic development. Public housing estates were built to accommodate residents, including people displaced by a fire in the Aberdeen typhoon shelter. The island developed from a small fishing village into a densely populated urban area. (Wikipedia)
What to see
The Ap Lei Chau Sports Centre occupies the first to fourth floors of the municipal building. It offers leisure facilities and sports and recreation programmes for public participation. (Leisure and Cultural Services Department)
The building’s exterior, including its renovated facade, is a photography subject. Visitors can also find views from the Sports Centre’s upper floors.
Practical visiting information
The building is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Entry is free, though certain facilities, including the Sports Centre, may require a nominal fee. Check ahead for special events or temporary closures.
The building occasionally hosts community events and exhibitions. Guided tours are available upon request; contact the building’s administration for details and to book.
Ap Lei Chau is served by buses, green minibuses and taxis. Buses are the island’s primary means of transport: routes depart from six bus termini for destinations on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon. Red minibuses are prohibited from entering the island. A regular sampan service runs between Ap Lei Chau Main Street and Aberdeen. The MTR South Island line, opened on December 28, 2016, links Admiralty on Hong Kong Island to Ap Lei Chau. (Wikipedia)
Tips
The cooler months from October to March are considered the best time to visit Ap Lei Chau for outdoor activities and exploring its cultural sites. (Klook)
The trailhead for Mt. Johnston and Ap Lei Pai offers views of the South China Sea and Lamma Island. Hikers can choose between the Formal Trail for intermediate hikers and the challenging Bushwhacking Trail for advanced hikers. (Klook)
Nearby places
The Hung Shing Temple, dating from 1773, is the oldest temple in the Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau areas and a declared monument. The Shui Yuet Temple, also known as Kwun Yum Temple, was built at the end of the 19th century. It is a Grade III historic building dedicated to Kwun Yum, Kwan Tai, Tin Hau, Chai Kung and Wong Tai Sin. (Wikipedia)
Horizon Plaza is a shopping destination with outlet stores for renowned fashion brands and furniture stores. (South China Morning Post)
Ap Lei Chau is also known for reasonably priced local food, including traditional Cha Chaan Tangs and Hong Kong-style western steak and seafood restaurants such as Bull’s. The Ap Lei Chau wet market offers fresh seafood directly from fishing boats. (South China Morning Post)
In February 2017, the Hong Kong Government sold a waterfront land parcel on Lee Nam Road for HK$16.86 billion (US$2.17 billion) to a venture between KWG Property and Logan Property Holdings. The sale highlighted rising demand for luxury apartments in the area, alongside concerns about insufficient public space. (Wikipedia)
FAQ
What are the visiting hours for the Ap Lei Chau Municipal Services Building?
The building is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Are there any guided tours available?
Yes. Guided tours are available upon request. Contact the building’s administration to book.
How much do tickets cost?
Entry to the building is free, but certain facilities, such as the Sports Centre, may require a nominal fee.
What are the best times to visit?
The cooler months from October to March are ideal for visiting.
