What Changed
- Ombudsman Mr Jack Chan announced a direct investigation operation into LCSD fitness room management on October 13, 2026.
- Preliminary inquiry revealed severe supply shortages for mandatory user training, receiving hundreds of thousands of applications for limited slots in 2025.
- Identified booking loopholes under SmartPLAY allowing late cancellations and absence without penalty for monthly ticket holders, causing facility underutilization.
On October 13, 2026, the Ombudsman of Hong Kong, Mr Jack Chan, announced the launch of a direct investigation operation into the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) regarding its management of public indoor fitness rooms. The investigation aims to assess whether existing access requirements, booking protocols, and facility maintenance mechanisms effectively serve public health goals and align with broader policy directives to promote community fitness across Hong Kong SAR.
The LCSD currently operates 87 indoor fitness rooms situated inside public sports centres across various districts in Hong Kong SAR. Public demand for these facilities has experienced substantial growth in recent years. Official statistics cited by the Office of The Ombudsman show that between 2023 and 2025, the number of registered users of LCSD fitness rooms rose by 56 per cent, expanding from approximately 151,000 to 236,000 users. During the same period, annual user visits increased by 50 per cent, rising from approximately 4.852 million to 7.262 million.
Despite this growing demand, access to LCSD indoor fitness rooms remains subject to strict entry qualifications. Members of the public who wish to register as users and hire equipment must either hold recognized qualifications from the Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China, or complete specific training organized by the LCSD. This training requires either attending a three-hour "Briefing on Proper Ways to Use Fitness Equipment" and passing a written examination, or completing a 12-hour "Fitness (Multi-gym) Training Course" with an attendance rate of at least 80 per cent. Individuals who fail to secure a place in these courses or complete the training remain ineligible to use LCSD fitness room facilities.
A preliminary inquiry conducted by the Office of The Ombudsman revealed a critical supply-demand imbalance regarding these mandatory introductory sessions. In 2025, the LCSD conducted approximately 1,000 Briefing Sessions offering 25,000 total places; however, the department received around 377,000 applications. Similarly, in 2025, the department held about 2,500 Training Courses offering 58,500 places, against a total of 257,000 applications. The Ombudsman noted that while LCSD mandates prior training or qualifications for indoor fitness room usage, no comparable prerequisite exists for other potentially risky public sports, such as swimming. This substantial discrepancy between course supply and public demand has been identified as a potential barrier to broader public participation in fitness activities.
The investigation also focuses on systemic issues within the booking and reservation framework for fitness room users. The LCSD offers two fee structures: hourly tickets and monthly tickets, with monthly tickets granting unlimited use. Because monthly ticket holders demonstrate higher demand, facilities typically allocate a larger share of room capacity to them. Since November 1, 2024, monthly ticket holders have been required to reserve fitness room sessions using the SmartPLAY booking system.
Under current SmartPLAY rules, monthly ticket holders are permitted to cancel reservations up to one hour prior to the start of a booked session. The Ombudsman noted concerns that this short notice leaves insufficient time for other members of the public to arrange attendance, leading to vacated and wasted places. Furthermore, the LCSD currently imposes no penalties on monthly ticket holders who fail to attend booked sessions, nor does it limit the number of daily sessions a monthly ticket holder may reserve. Consequently, actual facility usage falls significantly short of booked time slots, resulting in situations where fitness rooms appear fully booked online while remaining underutilized in practice.
The Ombudsman emphasized that LCSD fitness rooms represent publicly funded, affordable community resources that require efficient allocation. The investigation will examine whether existing user qualification rules retain practical necessity, review practices adopted in Mainland China and internationally, and evaluate LCSD's overall monitoring, equipment maintenance, and repair operations.
This regulatory review aligns with policy frameworks established at both local and national levels. The National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly sets out targets to foster mass sports, advance national fitness initiatives, and increase youth sports participation, aiming to raise the national proportion of citizens regularly engaged in physical exercise to approximately 40 per cent. In parallel, Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan prioritizes community sports engagement to enhance public health.
The Office of The Ombudsman has invited members of the public to submit written views on the management and operation of LCSD fitness rooms by November 13, 2026. Submissions can be sent by post to the Office of The Ombudsman at 30/F, China Merchants Tower, Shun Tak Centre, 168–200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong, by fax to 2882 8149, or via email to [email protected].
Who May Be Affected
Hong Kong residents, prospective and registered users of LCSD public fitness rooms, and monthly ticket holders.
Cross-Border Context
Aligns public sports management in Hong Kong SAR with national fitness objectives specified under the National 15th Five-Year Plan and Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan.
What to check next
- Public written submissions regarding LCSD fitness room management due to the Office of The Ombudsman by November 13, 2026.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.