The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) has approved a proposal from the Hong Kong United Youth Association to convert a hotel on Morrison Hill Road into a youth hostel.

The association said the “BeLIVING Youth Hub” in Causeway Bay will have a total of 97 rooms, providing up to 194 places for young people aged between 18 and 31.

Eligible applicants need to be Hong Kong permanent residents who do not own any residential property. Their monthly salary must not exceed HK$25,000.

The rooms will range from 176 to 324 square feet, and successful applicants will have to pay a monthly rent of between HK$3,800 and HK$4,800 for a place.

The first phase of the application period ends on April 28.

This is the first project approved under a government-subsidised scheme – announced in last year's Policy Address – to turn hotels and guesthouses into youth hostels.

"One of the characteristics of the project is that it will provide a platform for young people to participate in social outreach activities by making good use of the talents and enthusiasm of the youth tenants, and establishing their sense of belonging to the community," the bureau said in a statement.

"It will also provide youth tenants with support and value-added services in respect of career planning, entrepreneurship and realising their dreams."

The bureau added that officials will continue to work with different NGOs to address young people’s housing needs.