URA initiates area-based revitalisation plan for Mong Kok
The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) announced today that it
proposed to implement a major revitalisation plan at a cost close
to $100 million to uphold and enhance the local characters of a
number of themed streets in Mong Kok. Input and support from
the Yau Tsim Mong District Council and the local community will be
sought to finalise the plan.
The URA has been invited by the Government to implement some
improvement projects under the "Area Improvement Plan for the
Shopping Areas of Mong Kok", which was studied by the Planning
Department between February 2006 and May 2009. Public
consultation was also conducted and the public is generally
supportive of the proposal.
On the basis of the Government's area improvement plan, the URA
has taken a step further and expanded the scope to an area-based
revitalisation plan for Mong Kok.
Presenting the proposed plan at a media briefing this afternoon,
the Chairman of the URA, Mr Barry Cheung, said it would cover five
themed streets: Flower Market Road, Tung Choi Street, Sai Yee
Street, Fa Yuen Street and Nelson Street in Mong Kok.
"Mong Kok is already well known for leisure, shopping,
entertainment and sporting activities. After upgrading works and
with appropriate branding, the revitalised area would serve to
further enhance the area's appeal and vibrancy. We are excited with
this proposal, and we hope the local community and the Yau Tsim
Mong District Council will provide advice and be supportive as
well," said Mr Cheung.
He added "The URA has to date implemented three redevelopment
projects in Mong Kok, namely, the Langham Place, Sai Yee Street and
Macpherson Indoor Stadium. We have also helped or are helping
owners of about 100 buildings in the district to rehabilitate their
homes, and we have commenced two preservation projects involving 20
shophouses at Prince Edward Road West and Shanghai Street, so we
see the whole area becoming even more colourful and vibrant as a
result of this initiative." The revitalisation efforts would also
allow for linkages and synergies to be created among the URA's
redevelopment and preservation projects.
Careful consideration would be given to the unique character of
the themed streets as well as their existing conditions.
Streetscape and pedestrian walkways improvement, and greening
of the environment would be carried out to enhance the street
ambience, to match and enhance the specialty of each of the five
themed streets, and to highlight the variety and character of Mong
Kok. The plan also calls for the installation of themed street
furniture, special directional signage and decorative
pavements.
The URA plans to adopt themed plans that feature cheerful scenes
of birds and flowers, ideal fish environments, leisurely shopping
and the sports world. For example, Flower Market Road is
noted for its floral business while Tung Choi Street is nicknamed
Goldfish Street. Sai Yee Street and Fa Yuen Street are often
called Sneaker Street while Nelson Street links up Sneaker Street
with Lady's Market and Electric Appliance Street.
"The URA will commission a consultancy firm to study and work out
an implementable design proposal in greater detail. We will
then work closely with relevant government departments on the
proposal and will also consult the Yau Tsim Mong District Council
and stakeholders," said Mr Cheung.
If everything proceeds smoothly, the streetscape improvement plan
would commence in 2011as an initial phase.
ENDS