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The Transport and Housing Bureau (THB) announced today (October 6) that the Chief Executive-in-Council had given in-principle approval for lease modification of the site of the former Tanner Hill Estate at Tanner Road, North Point for the development of an elderly housing project by the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS).
HKHS' proposal comprises about 700 purpose-built elderly rental flats together with various recreational, elderly-related and ancillary supporting facilities, including a residential care home for the elderly, a day care centre for the elderly, a medical centre, shops, a restaurant and a multi-purpose hall. It will provide integrated accommodation, health care and related support facilities for the elders under one roof.
The elderly rental flats are targeted at affordable elders who are willing to pay for the rental flats and the services under a market-driven approach. The tenure of tenancy may include both short-term leases as well as lease-for-life arrangement to meet the different needs of the elderly. The facilities would be open to both residents and non-resident elders on a charged basis.
ˇ§The project will provide another housing choice to elders who wish to age in the community. It was HKHS' response to the Chief Executive's commitment in the 2007 Policy Address to expand the elderly housing scheme on Hong Kong Island,ˇ¨ a THB spokesman said.
Unlike the two pilot projects at Jordan Valley and Tseung Kwan O under the ˇ§Senior Citizens Residence (SEN) Schemeˇ¨ which enjoy nominal premium, the proposed elderly rental flats at the Tanner Road site will not involve nominal or concessionary land premium. HKHS will pay the full market value land premium which will reflect the lease, but not sale, of the housing units to elders aged 60 or above. HKHS will operate the project on a self-financing basis without subsidy from Government. Also, the project promotes elderly care and ˇ§ageing in the communityˇ¨.
HKHS anticipates that the construction works would take three to four years to complete, counting from the date of the commencement of works.
Ends/Monday, October 6, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:04
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