URA unveils new project in Mong Kok

The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) today announced the implementation of a $220 million redevelopment project at Reclamation Street, Mong Kok as part of its first five-year Corporate Plan and first-year Business Plan. 

A task force of 20 staff began a three-day survey (today to Sunday) to update the occupancy records of an estimated 120 households. 

This is the fifth project commenced by the URA this year. In January, the Authority implemented three "early launch" projects in Sham Shui Po, Tai Kok Tsui and Wan Chai. It then launched another project in Sham Shui Po in July following the approval of its Corporate Plan and Business Plan by Government.

Outlining project details at an operation briefing for the media, Mr Stephen C.M. Ng, District Development Director of URA, said: "The buildings at this site are about 50 years old and are in a very dilapidated condition. Urban renewal action is so obviously urgent."

"This project is among the 25 urban renewal projects announced by the Land Development Corporation in 1998, which are treated as priority projects by the URA," Mr Ng added.

Covering a site area of 533 square metres, the buildings were constructed mostly in the late 1940s. About 120 households comprising over 300 people are estimated to be living in the buildings.

Upon completion, the project will deliver 66 residential flats with an area of about 4,000 square metres and some retail units with a gross floor area of 800 square metres. It is expected that the project will be completed around 2006.

"Purchase offers to acquire all 24 property interests in this project will be issued to the affected owners later, involving an estimated acquisition cost of about $92 million. Overall, the total development cost of the project, including re-housing cost for the tenants and construction cost is estimated at about $220 million,"said Mr Ng.

To ensure that the affected residents fully understand their rights and obligations, the Authority has scheduled a series of briefing sessions on 23 and 24 October 2002 to explain to the affected owners and tenants the URA's acquisition and rehousing arrangements and procedures.

Besides, an Urban Renewal Social Service Team staffed by social workers is geared up to provide practical assistance that the residents may need. The team is stationed at the URA's Tai Kok Tsui neighbourhood centre (G/F Bedford Tower, 68 Bedford Road, Tai Kok Tsui). Residents are also welcomed to approach the Authority's staff at the neighbourhood centre or call the URA Hotline at 2588 2333 if they have any questions about the project.