Resumption of land for urban renewal projects in Tai Kok Tsui gazetted
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   The Lands Department today (February 24) announced the resumption of land for two redevelopment projects of the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) in Larch Street/Fir Street and Pine Street/Anchor Street, Tai Kok Tsui.

    The two redevelopment projects are included in the URA¡¦s Business Plan for 2004/05. The implementation will help to rejuvenate the old district concerned and improve the living conditions of residents.

    A total of 83 interests of the two sites, 36 in Larch Street/Fir Street and 47 in Pine Street/Anchor Street, will be resumed under the Lands Resumption Ordinance. The affected interests will revert to the Government three months after the date of the resumption notice being affixed on site.  Details of the private land affected are contained in the Gazette published today.

    Apart from their entitlement to statutory compensation, eligible owners of domestic properties will be offered an ex-gratia home purchase allowance or supplementary allowance as appropriate.

    Owners and tenants affected may make statutory claims under the Lands Resumption Ordinance and, if the claims cannot be settled by agreement, may apply to the Lands Tribunal for adjudication.  Any professional fees reasonably incurred for making such a claim may be reimbursed by Government.  Occupiers of commercial properties may also be eligible for an ex-gratia allowance in lieu of the right to make statutory claims for business loss and disturbance.

    Eligible domestic occupiers will be offered rehousing or ex-gratia cash allowance in lieu of rehousing by the URA.  Rehousing will be in units provided by the Hong Kong Housing Authority, the Hong Kong Housing Society or the URA itself.

    Upon completion of resumption and clearance, the two sites covering respective areas of about 2,176 and 2,300 square metres will be granted to the URA at nominal premium for redevelopment.

    The two projects will contribute to general environmental improvements in the locality. Mixed use development is permitted on the sites and the current proposals for the two sites are for residential developments with commercial use on the lower floors.

Ends/Friday, February 24, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:46

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