URA commences a new project in Kowloon City to maximise planning and social benefits in the district

The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) today (Friday) commences the planning procedure of the Kai Ming Street/Wing Kwong Street Development Project (KC-013) in Kowloon City with an aim to maximise the planning and community benefits to be brought about by the holistic and district-based approach which the URA has adopted in rejuvenating the district since last year.

Situated next to the Wing Kwong Street project (KC-012) commenced in June last year and authorised by the Secretary for Development to proceed as published in the Gazette last Friday (10 March), Project KC-013 is located at Nos. 4 - 28 Kai Ming Street (even number) and Nos. 29 - 33 Wing Kwong Street (odd number) covering a total area of about 1,750 square metres.  The buildings, which were built between 1958 and 1963, are eight storeys tall without elevator.  The buildings are generally in varied conditions with subdivided units. 

Planning and acquisition procedures of the Project KC-013 will be conducted independently in accordance with URA's prevailing policy. After the completion of the acquisition procedure and site clearance, the URA intends to combine Project KC-013 with the adjoining Project KC-012 for a holistic redevelopment.

At a media briefing to announce Project KC-013, Executive Director (Commercial), Mr Michael Ma, said the combined redevelopment of Projects KC-012 and KC-013 will achieve the objective of urban renewal by restructuring and replanning the concerned urban area through redesigning more effective road network and rationalising land uses, with an impact to bring greater community benefits while improving the living environment of residents.

In the combined redevelopment site, the URA's initial proposal is to provide about 18,600 square metres of residential floor area, some 3,700 square metres of commercial/retail floor area and an at-grade open space of about 300 square metres for the enjoyment of the community.

"The combined redevelopment of Projects KC-012 and KC-013 will provide an opportunity to redesign and improve road network in the heart of this concerned area which help enhance vehicular circulation and accessibility, with the provision of a new road" said Mr Ma.

Last year, the URA commenced four projects in the district at Bailey Street/Wing Kwong Street (KC-009), Hung Fook Street/Ngan Hon Street (KC-010), Hung Fook Street/Kai Ming Street (KC-011) and Wing Kwong Street (KC-012).  A through road extending from Wan On Street via these four projects to Ngan Hon Street is planned to improve traffic accessibility and enhance pedestrian connectivity in the area.  The provision of an underground communal car park at Project KC-010 will serve the community avoiding car park entrances at individual developments which will destroy street fronts of the area.

In accordance with Section 23 of the Urban Renewal Authority Ordinance (URAO), an URA notice announcing the commencement of the redevelopment project (KC-013) is published in the Gazette today.

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 Ma Tau Wai Neighbourhood Centre (Shop A, G/F, Maid Shine Court, 426 - 430 Ma Tau Wai Road, To Kwa Wan, Kowloon); and
• the Public Enquiry Service Centre of the Kowloon City District Office (LG/F, Kowloon City Government Offices, 42 Bailey Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon)

In accordance with the Urban Renewal Strategy, the URA will make the Stage One Social Impact Assessment (SIA) report available for public information at the above venues from today (17 March 2017).  The Stage Two SIA report will be made available for public information at the above locations from 2 May 2017.

Also speaking at the media briefing, General Manager (Acquisition & Clearance), Mr Kelvin Chung, said the prevailing acquisition policy for domestic and non-domestic property interests, and rehousing arrangement and ex-gratia payment for eligible domestic tenants are applicable to the project.

The project affects a total of 125 property interests.  It is estimated that there are about 180 households and about 30 ground floor shops.  About 100 URA staff members have been deployed today to conduct a freezing survey to ascertain the actual number of households and the occupancy status of the project.  The URA will arrange a series of briefing sessions 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 Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service Urban Renewal Social Service Team, which has been appointed by Urban Renewal Fund, will provide assistance to the owners and residents in need. The contact number of the social service team is 3596 6850.  Affected residents can also visit the URA's Ma Tau Wai 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)