Streamlining procedures to encourage effective use of public spaces in commercial developments
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The Lands Department will implement several new measures under the pilot scheme, including:
(i) Streamlining the application procedure for waivers: The waivers, once approved, will remain valid for one year, thus allowing "one application for multiple uses" within the validity period. This means that within a year, events (regardless of their nature or content) can be hosted in the same location without a need for separate applications for each event.
(ii) Adopting a simplified and concessionary fee arrangement: A concessionary fixed fee of about $17,000 will be charged for each application, which includes the administrative fee and waiver fee for the first month. If the activity is to be held in other months within the year, an additional HK$5,000 will be charged per month. Compared to the current practice where each event requires an individual application and incurs a fee of HK$60,000 or more, the fee has been significantly reduced. The fixed fee also obviates the need for case-by-case fee assessment, offering greater transparency and certainty. Non-commercial activities will continue to be exempt from application fees.
(iii) Relaxation of area restriction: The permissible area for the use of "Public Open Spaces in Private Development" for commercial activities has been doubled from the original 10 per cent to 20 per cent of the open space, provided that the activities do not affect pedestrian access or safety. Activities that are organised or co-organised by the Government with commercial elements will be considered as non-commercial activities and will not be subject to this restriction.
(iv) Streamlining the consultation process: Through streamlined arrangement, the processing time for application approvals will be reduced from about two to three months in the past to about one month. For activities planned for the upcoming Easter holiday and the Labour Day Golden Week, the Lands Department will expedite processing of applications.
A spokesperson from the Development Bureau said, "Through the pilot scheme, we aim to remove barriers and restrictions, enabling various sectors to make full use of indoor and outdoor spaces in shopping malls or other commercial developments to host a wide range of activities. This will enhance visitor experience, attract patronage, boost consumption, and inject more vitality into Hong Kong's economy."
Details of the scheme have been uploaded to the website of the Lands Department (www.landsd.gov.hk/doc/en/practice-note/info-notes/Information_Note-Streamlining_Arrangements(POSPD).pdf).
Ends/Friday, April 11, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:45
Issued at HKT 18:45
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