Land resumption for urban renewal project in Kwun Tong gazetted
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     The Lands Department today (March 2) announced the resumption of land for the implementation of the first phase of the Kwun Tong Town Centre - Main Site Development Scheme.

     The development scheme was included in the Urban Renewal Authority (URA)'s Business Plan for 2006-07. Its implementation will help improve the general environment of the locality and the living conditions of the residents.

     A total of 1,085 property interests at the site bounded by Yue Man Square, Hong Ning Road, Mut Wah Street and Hip Wo Street will be resumed under the Lands Resumption Ordinance in this first phase. The affected interests will revert to the Government three months from the date when the resumption notice is affixed at the site. Details of the private land affected were 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 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 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 will also 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 resumption and clearance, the site with an area of about 21,754 square metres of resumed land will be granted to the URA and redeveloped for residential cum retail and commercial uses with the provision of a public transport interchange, a hawker bazaar, a refuse collection point and public open space of not less than 2,760 square metres.

Ends/Friday, March 2, 2012
Issued at HKT 12:02

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