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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, visited Tung Chung Areas 55a and 56 today (July 14) to keep abreast of the progress of residential development there.
"The demand for housing is keen. I fully understand the importance to many families of having a home. To increase the supply of small and medium-sized flats in the market, we have recently put up for sale a number of sites with restrictions on unit size to meet public demand," Mr Tsang said.
Reserved for private residential development, Tung Chung Area 55a will be sold by tender with restrictions on unit size. The total number of residential units to be built shall not be less than 2,020, of which at least 1,650 units shall range in saleable area from 35 square metres to 45 square metres and at least 370 units shall range in saleable area from exceeding 45 square metres to 60 square metres.
Tung Chung Area 55a is the fourth and the largest site put up for sale this year with restrictions on unit size. The site of the former Yuen Long Estate sold in January this year will provide not fewer than 960 units, of which at least 800 units shall range in saleable area from 35 square metres to 40 square metres and at least 160 units shall range in saleable area from exceeding 40 square metres to 60 square metres.
In addition, two sites in Hung Hom with restrictions on unit size were sold last month. They will produce not fewer than 70 and 170 residential units, with each unit ranging from 35 square metres to 40 square metres in saleable area.
Tung Chung Area 56, adjacent to Area 55a, is designated for public housing development. The Deputy Director of Housing (Development and Construction), Ms Ada Fung, briefed Mr Tsang on the progress of the development.
"The Housing Department has consulted the Islands District Council and has taken on board its views in refining the development proposal," Ms Fung said.
The Chief Executive said, "To address the housing needs of the low-income families and individuals, we would continue to identify suitable sites for public rental housing development in order to meet the objective of maintaining an average waiting time of three years.
"The support of people is important, throughout the whole process from the identification of sites to construction. We would listen to the views of the community and formulate the most practicable proposals.
"Different views are expressed at times, ranging from demand for more supporting facilities and changes to the design and disposition of the blocks, to even a change of the site. The Government has to strike a balance and make a decision based on the best interests of the public at large.
"I hope the District Councils and district personalities would support our public housing development projects. The Government would maintain close contacts and communication with various sectors and parties, so that we can all work together for the well-being of the people."
Tung Chung Area 56 was included in the Application List for 2006-07 and 2007-08, during which it was not triggered for sale. The Government then designated the land for public housing development.
The ground investigation work of the development commenced at the end of last month. Construction work is scheduled to commence in mid-2012 for completion in 2016.
In the revised proposal, which further improves the layout of the blocks, the buildings originally ranging from 47 storeys to 49 storeys high have been lowered to 41 storeys, and the space between the blocks has been widened for better air flow.
There will be a lot of green landscape in the common areas, targeting to achieve a greening ratio of 30 per cent, to create a comfortable environment for residents. There will also be retail and other community facilities in the vicinity of the housing estate to meet the needs of the residents and the community.
A new road and related infrastructure will be built in tandem with the development in the area. The Islands District Council was consulted last month. The Government will follow up with the Council in respect of the planning and development of the rest of the Tung Chung.
Ends/Thursday, July 14, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:41
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