In one of Hong Kong’s most underprivileged neighbourhoods, residents were recently bidding a reluctant farewell to Agape Garden.

Over the past six years, this social enterprise restaurant in Shek Kip Mei Estate provided jobs for those with mentally disabilities, single mothers and the elderly, while offering free hot meals to about 100 seniors in need daily. More recently, they have even started helping stray cats find a new home.

The closure follows an abrupt government decision to reclaim the space, effectively dismantling this community hub.

The landlord, the Housing Authority, said it was “planning other uses for the premises with detailed arrangements being worked out”, without specifying the new purpose.

Their website showed at least two dozen vacant shops pending tender in the neighbourhood.