[photopress:hotel_on_the_campus.jpg,full,alignright]Beijing Youth Daily reports that Peking University Science Park is drawing criticism from instructors and students for building a five-star hotel on campus. The hotel is neither finished nor yet named but it has its detractors.
Basically the complain is that a five star hotel on a campus detracts from the idea of it being a post secondary institution and a place for learning.
The students are divided on the issue. Some think it lowers the tone of the place. Another comment was: ‘I don’t think it is a bad thing to build a hotel but it’d better not be named after the lake.’ An official from the university’s asset management office said the name was registered and approved by the local industry and commerce authority. So that’s settled.
Many students oppose building the hotel as they worry it may steal the space for teaching facilities. A student said, ‘Many of us have complained about the narrow classrooms and dormitories and we are wondering why a commercial building should take up space for what is really needed.’
According to the official website of Peking University Science Park, the hotel will not only offer accommodation, but also conference facilities, entertainment and catering. It is also equipped with a huge underground spring bath, with massage and gym facilities.
Bluntly, that does not sound as something in keeping with a place of learning. Support does exist.A young teacher of the university said the conference center in the hotel will be able to hold high-level seminars at the university. Operating, as it were, as a MICE hotel.
An official from the university asset management office, which seems to be somewhat lacking in PR skills, said, ‘The hotel is not using up space for classrooms. The municipal government has granted both sides of the Baiyi Road for commercial use.’
According to the official website of Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning, however, the land where the hotel is located is used for education and scientific research. Zhang Wei, spokesman of the commission, said, ‘Land used for education and scientific research is not allowed for commercial use.’
But an official from Beida’s science park came up with an argument about that. A luxury hotel with spa and all those good things would serve as supporting facility to education and scientific research. Following this logic she said, ‘So it is all right to be built here.’ Seems most odd.
Source: China Daily
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