Opening of Wan Chai Neighbourhood Centre

The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) has set up neighbourhood centres in Wan Chai, Tai Kok Tsui and Sham Shui Po to tie in with the implementation of early launch projects in these districts and to strengthen communication with the local communities.

A neighbourhood centre is first opened in Wan Chai today (28 March), acting as a bridge between the affected residents and the Authority. Today's opening ceremony was officiated by URA Chairman Dr Lau Wah-sum and Wan Chai District Council Chairperson and URA District Advisory Committee Chairperson Mrs Peggy Lam.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Lau said the neighbourhood centres served as effective channels through which the front-line staff of Authority could provide prompt assistance to residents. Mrs Lam said the setting up of neighbourhood centres demonstrated the determination of the Authority to strengthen its work at district level.

The neighbourhood centres in Sham Shui Po and Tai Kok Tsui have already commenced operation and will be officially opened in the coming months after renovation.

Members of the public, in particular residents affected by URA early launch projects, are welcomed to visit the neighbourhood centres, which open from 8:45 am to 6 pm, Mondays to Fridays and 8:45 am to 1 pm Saturdays, except Sundays and public holidays.

The telephone enquiry numbers of neighbourhood centres are as follows:

Wan Chai 2573 0638
Sham Shui Po 2729 8123
Tai Kok Tsui 2391 2992

Offices of the three urban renewal social service teams are also located at the respective neighbourhood centres to facilitate liaison and co-ordination.

Meanwhile, an informative exhibition highlighting the work of the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) will be staged, starting tomorrow (29 March).

The exhibition will outline in detail the new mandate of the URA, which includes carrying out redevelopment, revitalisation, preservation and rehabilitation in a caring and efficient manner.

Through illustrations and pictures the development of the three projects in Sham Shui Po, Tai Kok Tsui and Wan Chai will be vividly depicted in the display panels.

The exhibition will first be held in Tai Yau Shopping Arcade, Wan Chai from 29 to 31 March, and then move to the shopping arcade at Lai Kok Estate in Cheung Sha Wan on 6 to 7 April. It will then be staged in Hoi Fu Court in Mong Kok on 13 to 14 April and in Fortune Estate on 20 and 21 April.

Photograph shows Dr Lau (third from right) and Mrs Lam (centre) officiating at the opening ceremony of the Wan Chai Neighbourhood Centre, accompanied by Managing Director of the Authority, Mr Billy Lam (third from left). Also officiating at the ceremony were URA Board members Mr Barry Cheung (first from right), Miss Maria Tam (second from right), Mr Lau Ping-cheung (second from left) and Mr Michael Lai (first from left).