6
Redevelopment projects in Tsuen Wan and Kennedy Town
Following is a question by the Hon Albert Chan and a written reply by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Bowen Leung, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
The redevelopment projects in the "seven streets" in Tsuen Wan and the "five streets" in Kennedy Town have been delayed for several times, and this has troubled the residents of these two areas for a number of years. In view of this, will the Government inform this Council:
(a)
(b)
(c)
of the reasons for the prolonged delay in implementing the two redevelopment projects;
when it expects to be able to reach agreement with the Land Development Corporation on these two redevelopment projects; and
when the redevelopment projects are expected to commence work and when they will be completed?
Answer:
Mr President,
(a)
The Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) obtained planning permission from the Town Planning Board in 1992 and 1993 for implementing the master layout plans on the redevelopment of a Comprehensive Development Area in Kennedy Town and Tsuen Wan respectively. HKHS subsequently found that if the demands for compensation and rehousing by the owners and residents were to be fully met, the projects would not be financially viable. HKHS then put forward a number of proposals for discussion with the Government on how the projects could be taken forward. Earlier this year, the Government invited the Land Development Corporation (LDC) to study, on a "no commitment" basis, the feasibility of taking over the projects from HKHS.
We are discussing with HKHS and LDC an initial proposal put forward by the latter.