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The following is issued on behalf of the Secretariat of the Kowloon City District Urban Renewal Forum:
The Kowloon City District Urban Renewal Forum (DURF) today (April 29) launched the Stage 2 Public Engagement for the Urban Renewal Plan for Kowloon City. Members of the public, in particular local residents of Kowloon City District, are welcome to participate in the public engagement activities and provide their views on the Draft Urban Renewal Plan for Kowloon City (the Draft Plan).
According to the new Urban Renewal Strategy, the "People First, District-Based and Public Participatory" approach should be adopted in urban renewal. The DURF was thus set up to strengthen urban renewal planning at the district level. The Kowloon City DURF will propose to the Government an urban renewal plan which displays the character of Kowloon City, reflects local aspirations and strikes a balance among different social interests.
To accomplish the vision of the Urban Renewal Plan for Kowloon City, "Conserve History and Culture; Synergise with Surrounding Developments; Optimise Land Resources; Create Quality Living Environment", the Stage 1 Public Engagement for the Preliminary Urban Renewal Proposals (PURPs) was conducted in August and September 2012. With reference to the public views received in the Stage 1 Public Engagement and the results of the Social Impact Assessment, the Kowloon City DURF revised the PURPs and consolidated them into a Draft Plan. The Draft Plan proposes to establish appropriate areas in the district for promoting various urban renewal approaches, including "Redevelopment Priority Area", "Rehabilitation and Revitalisation Priority Area" and "Mixed Redevelopment and Rehabilitation Area". It also proposes to facilitate urban renewal work through the following measures:
* positioning the sub-areas in the district for shaping local character;
* revitalising cultural heritage and designation of a themed walking trail;
* enhancing the waterfront and district connectivity; and
* optimising land resources.
"Public views are crucial for us in formulating the Urban Renewal Plan for Kowloon City. With a view to forging consensus and further refining the proposals, members of the public are welcome to express their views on the Draft Plan through a range of activities in the Stage 2 Public Engagement," said the Chairman of the Kowloon City DURF, Dr Greg Wong.
The Stage 2 Public Engagement for the Urban Renewal Plan for Kowloon City will last for two months until the end of June. Activities including community workshops, topical discussions, a public forum and roving exhibitions will be held. For details, please visit the designated website, www.kcrenewal.hk.
The Kowloon City DURF will prepare the Recommended Urban Renewal Plan for Kowloon City based on the views collected and further findings of the Social Impact Assessment, in particular the proposed mitigation measures to address the social impacts. The Kowloon City DURF will then submit the plan to the Government for consideration.
Members of the public are welcome to express their views and suggestions on or before June 30 through the following:
Website: www.kcrenewal.hk
Email: kcrenewal@durf.org.hk
Fax: 3104 0240
Mail: Secretariat, Kowloon City District Urban Renewal Forum
27/F, Tsuen Wan Government Offices,
38 Sai Lau Kok Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories
(Please specify "Kowloon City Urban Renewal Plan")
Established on June 1, 2011, the Kowloon City DURF comprises non-official and official members appointed by the Secretary for Development. Dr Greg Wong was appointed as the forum's Chairman. Other non-official members include three incumbent members of the Kowloon City District Council, two Area Committee members who are centres-in-charge of non-governmental organisations and professionals from relevant disciplines.
Ends/Monday, April 29, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:15
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