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Director (Acquisition and Clearance) of the URA, Mr Ian Wong (left), and Director (Planning and Design) of the URA, Mr Michael Ma (right), at the media briefing of Tonkin Street/Fuk Wing Street redevelopment project
Existing view of Tonkin Street/Fuk Wing Street redevelopment project
Existing view of Tonkin Street/Fuk Wing Street redevelopment project
Existing view of Tonkin Street/Fuk Wing Street redevelopment project
Existing view of Tonkin Street/Fuk Wing Street redevelopment project
Site plan of Tonkin Street/Fuk Wing Street redevelopment project
Site plan of Tonkin Street/Fuk Wing Street redevelopment project
8 Mar 2013

URA commences the 15th redevelopment project in Sham Shui Po

The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) today (Friday) commenced the planning procedures of the Tonkin Street / Fuk Wing Street redevelopment project in Sham Shui Po, bringing the number of redevelopment projects initiated by the Authority in the district to 15 so far.  The project, if implemented, will greatly improve the living environment of some 110 households.

At a media briefing to outline details of the project, Director (Acquisition and Clearance) of the URA, Mr Ian Wong, said Sham Shui Po will see a facelift in a few years' time upon the gradual completion of on-going redevelopment projects and the continuous building rehabilitation efforts of the Authority in the area.

"Until now, the announced projects altogether have been helping some 6,000 people to improve their living conditions while owners of 6,400 flats of some 240 residential blocks in the district have benefitted from the URA's building rehabilitation efforts," said Mr Wong.

In accordance with Section 23 of the Urban Renewal Authority Ordinance (URAO), a URA notice announcing the commencement of the redevelopment project is published in the Gazette today.

Mr Wong said: "The project area occupies a site at Tonkin Street and Fuk Wing Street in Sham Shui Po, covering an area of about 1,270 square metres.  Built between 1955 and 1958, the 13 street numbers of buildings within the project site are generally in a poor condition. The buildings are five to seven storeys with no lifts and there are unauthorised rooftop structures observed."

The project affects a total of 83 property interests.  It is estimated that there are about 110 households and 27 business operators and premises, but the actual number has yet to be ascertained in a freezing survey conducted by the URA today.

Also speaking at the media briefing today, Director (Planning and Design), Mr Michael Ma, said the URA's initial proposal is to redevelop the site to provide about 7,460 square metres of residential floor area for 145 flats of small to medium sizes, including some units of lower levels to be reserved for flat-for-flat option.  Some 1,490 square metres of commercial floor area will also be included in the new development, which is tentatively scheduled for completion by 2020/2021.

Findings of a building conditions survey showed that the buildings are generally dilapidated or varied and unauthorised structures can also be found, he added.

As from today, a two-month publication period will begin under Section 23 of the URAO. Within the period, a site plan delineating the boundary of the project plus a general description will be put on display for public inspection at:

  • the URA Headquarters (26/F, COSCO Tower, 183 Queen's Road Central, Central); 
  • the URA's Sham Shui Po Neighbourhood Centre (G/F, Shop C, 182 Fuk Wa Street, Sham Shui Po); 
  • the Public Enquiry Service Centre of the Sham Shui Po District Office (G/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Sham Shui Po); and 
  • URA's Urban Renewal Resource Centre (No 6, Fuk Tsun Street, Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon).

In accordance with the Urban Renewal Strategy, the URA will make the Stage 1 Social Impact Assessment (SIA) report available for public information at the above venues from 8 March 2013. The Stage 2 SIA report will be made available for public information at the above locations from 26 April 2013.

Should there be any written objections to this project received during the two-month publication period, the URA will consider the objections carefully. Included in its submission of the development project to the Secretary for Development for consideration will be the URA's deliberation on the objections, unwithdrawn objections, and an assessment of the likely effect of the implementation of the project, said Mr Ma. 

Under Section 24 of the URAO, the Secretary for Development shall then consider the development project and any objections which are not withdrawn and determine whether to authorise, amend or decline to authorise the development project.

If approval is eventually granted by the Secretary for Development, the URA will proceed with acquisition of the properties and rehousing for the tenants in accordance with the prevailing acquisition and rehousing policies.

The total development cost for the project, calculated at current prices, is estimated to reach some $ 1,030 million.

Mr Wong noted that about 50 URA staff members have been deployed to conduct the freezing survey to ascertain the actual number of households and the occupancy status of the project. The URA will arrange briefing sessions shortly to explain to the affected owners and tenants the planning approval procedure and the acquisition and compensation arrangements.

An urban renewal social service team staffed by professional social workers of the Salvation Army, which has been appointed by Urban Renewal Fund Limited, will be on site to render assistance.  The contact number of the social service team is 3586 3095.Affected residents can also visit the URA's Sham Shui Po Neighbourhood Centre in person; or call the URA's Hotline at 2588 2333 for enquiries.  Members of the public can also visit the URA Website at www.ura.org.hk for project information.

(ENDS)

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