The Jockey Club SCENES Building was officially opened today (28 June). The building, alongside the newly built Lo Koon Wing Building and refurbished Bradbury Building, is part of the enhancement works at Tai Tam Scout Centre campsite to support The Scout Association of Hong Kong’s nature and environmental programmes. The project is funded by a donation of nearly HK$100 million from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.

The new building incorporates green elements such as solar panels, and adopts low-carbon, sustainable architectural design principles, including nature-responsive features that optimise natural daylight, energy efficiency, and thermal comfort. The project has also achieved a provisional BEAM Plus Gold rating, showcasing sustainable building principles in practice. As the third Scout Centre of Excellence for Nature, Environment and Sustainability (SCENES) in Asia and the first of its kind in Hong Kong, the Tai Tam Scout Centre will benefit from the facilities upgrade. The improvements enhance the campsite’s sustainability and help it leverage Hong Kong's unique role as a regional hub for environmental education to nurture environmental stewardship while empowering young people to become responsible future leaders. The centre is expected to welcome more school groups, NGOs and youth organisations, with capacity to serve up to 60,000 visitors annually.

Officiating at the opening ceremony were Alice Mak, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs of the HKSAR Government; Imelda Chan, Head of Charities (Health & Older Adults Cluster) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Dr Wilson Lai, Chief Commissioner of Scout Association of Hong Kong; David Yip, Chairman of the Executive Committee of Scout Association of Hong Kong and other guests.

Imelda Chan, Head of Charities (Health & Older Adults Cluster) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said this project demonstrates the long-standing partnership between the Club and The Scout Association of Hong Kong. Over the years, the Club has actively supported social welfare organisations in reducing carbon emissions, protecting biodiversity, and strengthening community resilience to climate change through multi-sector collaboration and innovative thinking. This project reflects the Club’s commitment to promoting sustainability as one of its key impact programmes.

The Jockey Club SCENES Building, redeveloped from a former administration office, addresses the limitations of ageing facilities while enhancing the capacity and functionality of the Tai Tam Scout Centre. The sustainability features will also help reduce the campsite’s impact on the environment, while strengthening its ability to meet the international standards of SCENES, accredited by the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM).

The Trust’s donation also supports new or upgraded facilities at the Lo Koon Wing Building and the Bradbury Building. These include multi-purpose learning spaces, lecture rooms, workshops, laboratories, eco-friendly accommodation and barrier-free access, creating a more inclusive and enriched learning environment. Beyond serving local communities, the enhancements also foster knowledge exchange and collaboration with parties outside Hong Kong.

The Club’s support for the Jockey Club SCENES Building, like all its charity and community donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class sports and entertainment organisation that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2024/25, the Club returned a total of HK$39.1 billion to the community. This included HK$30.1 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$9.0 billion in approved charity donations. The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is one of the world’s leading charity donors.