Land resumption for urban renewal project in Sham Shui Po gazetted
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     The Lands Department today (November 19) announced the resumption of land for an urban renewal project at Hai Tan Street, Kweilin Street and Pei Ho Street, Sham Shui Po.

     The project is included in the Urban Renewal Authority (URA)'s Business Plan for 2005/06.  Its implementation will help revitalise this old district and improve living conditions for residents.

     A total of 357 private interests at the site will be resumed under the Lands Resumption Ordinance.  The affected interests will revert to the Government three months from the date of the resumption notice being affixed on site.  Details of the private land affected are gazetted 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.  Eligible domestic occupiers will be offered rehousing in the Hong Kong Housing Authority or Hong Kong Housing Society units, or an ex-gratia cash allowance.

     Eligible commercial property occupiers including owners and tenants may choose an ex-gratia allowance in lieu of the right to make statutory claims for business and related losses.

     Affected owners and tenants of both domestic and commercial properties have the right to make statutory claims under the Lands Resumption Ordinance.  If the claims are not settled by agreement, the owners and tenants may apply to the Lands Tribunal for adjudication.  Professional fees reasonably incurred for making such claims may be reimbursed by the Government.

     Upon completion of the resumption and clearance the site, with an area of about 7,440 square metres, will be granted to the URA for residential cum commercial development with the provision of community facilities and public open space, in accordance with the development scheme plan approved by the Chief Executive in Council under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Ends/Friday, November 19, 2010
Issued at HKT 12:01

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