Hong Kong proposes HK$2.03 billion crematorium at Wo Hop Shek, aiming for 2032 opening
The Hong Kong government has proposed a HK$2.03 billion crematorium at Wo Hop Shek Cemetery, targeting a 2032 opening. The facility would add 10 modern cremators and 21,600 annual slots to address growing demand and replace aging units.
The Hong Kong government has proposed constructing a new crematorium at Wo Hop Shek Cemetery with an estimated cost of about HK$2.03 billion, aiming to have the facility operational by 2032, according to a submission to the Legislative Council.
The Environment and Ecology Bureau, together with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), have submitted a proposal to the LegCo seeking HK$2.03 billion in funding from the Finance Committee. If approved, the Architectural Services Department will oversee construction of a five-storey building on Site T5 of the cemetery.
Plans include 10 modern cremators, six ritual halls, a mortuary, an ash storage room, six joss paper burners and a temporary holding area for up to 60 coffins. The facility’s design would be split across five levels: the ground floor would house the mortuary and loading areas; the first and second floors would contain cremation and electromechanical facilities, reception areas and administrative offices; the third floor would be used for temporary coffin holding; and the fourth floor would accommodate ritual halls and auxiliary facilities.
Supporting infrastructure would include automated guided vehicle systems for coffin transport, dedicated loading and parking zones, and vehicular access roads allowing direct transport to the reception area and ritual halls. The Civil Engineering and Development Department will build a pumping station, water reservoir, and updated drainage, sewerage and water supply networks for both the crematorium and the cemetery’s future needs.
The FEHD currently operates six crematoriums with 34 cremators, providing about 50,000 cremation slots per year. Officials noted that current capacity is nearing its limit. The introduction of 10 new cremators is expected to reduce average cremation times from 90 minutes to 75 minutes, creating an estimated 21,600 additional slots annually to help meet growing demand.
Officials said the timetable is crucial because cremators across Hong Kong are nearing the end of their operational lifespans, with reliability issues, frequent maintenance requirements and shortages of replacement parts. The new Wo Hop Shek facility would allow the FEHD to phase out and replace aging units at other crematoria while maintaining service quality and meeting Hong Kong’s cremation demand through at least 2050.