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Submission of Urban Renewal Plan for Kowloon City
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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 (January 29) submitted the Urban Renewal Plan for Kowloon City (the Plan) to the Secretary for Development (SDEV).

     "The Plan submitted to the SDEV today reflects the aspirations of the Kowloon City community on urban renewal and the consolidated professional views of DURF Members, and incorporates the "People First, District-Based and Public Participatory" urban renewal approach adopted in the Urban Renewal Strategy promulgated in 2011. I would like to thank the members of the DURF, the secretariat and the consultant teams for their endeavours in the past two years. As a pilot in the formulation of urban renewal plan by the DURF in Hong Kong, I hope the Plan will facilitate the Government in enhancing urban renewal initiatives within the district," said the Chairman of the DURF, Dr Greg Wong.

     To accomplish the vision of the Plan to "Conserve History and Culture; Synergise with Surrounding Developments; Optimise Land Resources; Create Quality Living Environment", the DURF commenced the Planning Study and Social Impact Assessment. Two stages of public engagement were also conducted from August to September 2012 and from April to June 2013 respectively. Based on the results of the studies and public engagement, the DURF has established 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".  Together with the social impact mitigation measures, it has set out the blueprint of the urban renewal work for the district through the following proposals:

* 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.

     The Plan is formulated based on the principles of displaying the district character, reflecting local aspirations and striking a balance among different social interests. For details, please visit the DURF website, www.durf.org.hk.

     The DURF will brief the relevant stakeholders and organisations in the district on the recommendations of the Plan. A simplified leaflet is also under preparation, and will be distributed at the Public Enquiry Service Center of Kowloon City District Office and non-governmental organisations within the district.

     Established on June 1, 2011 with members appointed by the SDEV, the DURF is a highlight in the Urban Renewal Strategy promulgated in 2011. The DURF's major task is to advise the Government on an urban renewal plan for Kowloon City District from a holistic and integrated perspective. The membership of Kowloon City DURF is as follows:

Chairman
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Dr Greg Wong Chak-yan

Non-official members
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Mr James Mathew Fong
Ms May Fung Mei-wah
Mr Ho Hin Ming
Rev Hor Yiu-man
Ms Christine Kwok Mun-yee
Mr Daniel Lau King-shing
Mr Timothy Ma Kam-wah
Dr Lawrence Poon Wing-cheung
Ms Peggy Poon Wing-yin
Ms Siu Yuen-sheung
Dr Tang Bo-sin
Mr Wen Choy-bon
Ms Connie Wong Wai-ching

Official members
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Executive Director (Planning and Project Control), Urban Renewal Authority or representative
District Officer (Kowloon City), Home Affairs Department or representative
District Planning Officer (Kowloon), Planning Department or representative
Chief Traffic Engineer (Kowloon), Transport Department or representative
Principal Assistant Secretary (Planning and Lands) 4, Development Bureau or representative

Secretary
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Senior Town Planner (District Urban Renewal Forum), Planning Department

Ends/Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:00

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