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LCQ9: Redevelopment of aged public rental housing estates
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     Following is a question by the Hon Wong Kwok-kin and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, in the Legislative Council today (July 3):

Question:

     Some members of the public have relayed to me that apart from identifying sites for constructing new public rental housing (PRH) estates, redevelopment of PRH estates (such as Pak Tin Estate currently being redeveloped in phases) may also increase the supply of PRH units within a short period of time.  Meanwhile, the redevelopment of aged PRH estates like Wo Lok Estate and Choi Hung Estate will not only improve the living environment of residents but also tie in with the Kwun Tong Town Centre redevelopment which is underway. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) whether the authorities have conducted any feasibility study on the redevelopment of aged PRH estates like Wo Lok Estate and Choi Hung Estate; if they have, of the progress and anticipated completion time for the study; whether it has drawn up a timetable for comprehensive redevelopment of PRH estates; if not, of the reasons for that;

(b) of the number of PRH units in Wo Lok Estate at present; and the maximum number of PRH units that can be provided upon redevelopment;

(c) as some PRH tenants have relayed to me that some units in the PRH development projects in Kai Tak Development Area and at Anderson Road intended to be carried out by the authorities should be reserved for rehousing tenants affected by the PRH redevelopments in Kowloon East, whether the authorities will reserve some units in these two projects for such purpose; if they will, of the respective numbers of units to be reserved; if not, the reasons for that, and how the affected PRH tenants will be rehoused; and

(d) whether the authorities have consulted the tenants of the aged PRH estates in Kowloon East about the overall planning of PRH in the district; if they have, of the arrangements and contents of the consultation; if not, the reasons for that; whether the authorities will launch any consultation on the redevelopment of PRH in this financial year?

Reply:

President,

     To address the strong demand for public rental housing (PRH) from the public, the Government and the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) actively explore all options to boost the supply of PRH. We will identify sites suitable for PRH development over the territory, and will carefully examine the redevelopment potential of aged PRH estates, so as to increase the supply of PRH flats.

     To better assess the redevelopment potential of aged estates, the HA endorsed the Refined Policy on Redevelopment of Aged Public Rental Housing Estates in 2011. In considering clearance and redevelopment of the estates, the HA will refer to the findings of the Comprehensive Structural Investigation Programme (CSIP) on structural safety and cost effectiveness in repair works, and also examine the build-back potential, as well as and the availability of suitable decanting resources for the estates concerned. This is to address the issue of building sustainability and redevelopment potential, in order to better utilize valuable land resources and to increase flat production. By reviewing the specific site characteristics and developable area in the vicinity, the HA will conduct a series of detailed studies including technical and environmental impact assessments, local master planning, urban design and the development intensity, etc. We will also discuss with relevant bureaux and departments with regard to the supporting facilities including community, welfare, transport and educational facilities, of the district concerned. Only after the completion of the relevant assessments can the HA confirm the feasibility of redeveloping an estate and draw up a suitable implementation programme accordingly.  

     My reply to the questions raised by the Hon Wong Kwok-kin is as follows:

(a) Wo Lok Estate and Choi Hung Estate as mentioned in the question were included in the CSIP in 2005, and the investigations were completed in 2007 and 2006 respectively.  Based on their structural conditions at the time, these two estates were identified to be retained with necessary repair and estate improvement works scheduled. The HA will investigate the structural conditions of all PRH estates that have undergone comprehensive structural investigation and are retained on a 15-year cycle, and to assess again whether these estates should be retained or redeveloped.

(b) There are 1 937 units in Wo Lok Estate. We have no plan to redevelop Wo Lok Estate at present. Hence, the maximum number of units that can be provided after redevelopment has not been assessed.

(c) When drawing up redevelopment plans for aged estates, consideration would be given by the HA to rehouse the affected tenants to suitable PRH estates. Where PRH resources permit, we will try to meet the aspirations of the affected tenants for local rehousing within the same district or rehousing to other districts according to their preferences. Should it be decided that any aged estates in Kowloon East region be redeveloped, we will make arrangement to reserve suitable amount of flats in this region as decanting facilities.

(d) In accordance with the HA's established policy, for any proposed public housing and/ or redevelopment projects, including any proposed public housing developments in Kowloon East, we will consult relevant District Council and the locals when appropriate so as to listen to their views to facilitate the implementation of the development programmes.

Ends/Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Issued at HKT 11:43

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