CO129-614-3 Visit of Sir Patrick Abercrombie to advise on town planning 4-1-1948 - 10-1-1949 — Page 55

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It is suggested that there should be a

threefold division.

100,000 (or 2 @ 50,000)

10,000

500

Community

Neighbourhood

54

Group( family or

similar)

25

Much further research is required into this aspect of Housing; but already considerable thought has been given to the subject, and 200 neighbourhood centres have been suggested. It would be of the greatest value

as an object lesson if the P.W.D. could prepare a plan and model for a Neighbourhood unit, which would demonstrate how the decentralised overspill would be disposed upon a new site.

"

The possibility of the transfer of the overcrowded population (in every Country a delicate matter) has been considered and it is believed that it might be possible for new areas developed at Kowloon to attract from and reduce overe rowding in Victoria( and Kowloon) if

(a) Work in the form of new industry etc., were

available;

(b) First-rate conditions of houses, shops, play spaces,

olinios and schools were offered;

(c) A rigorous allotment of houses to bona-fide

Hong Kong residents was made, with preference to those who could show that they came from overcrowded areas.

Regulations against overcrowding in the vacated areas would have to be simultaneously enforced.

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The rebuilding of the obsolete types of Tenements and the structures in a condition of decay will require new powers in order to avoid the dangers and drawbacks of piecemeal reconstruction. It should be possible to declare whole areas obsolescent and ripe for rebuilding on a new layout, as is provided for under the English 1944 Act (Section 9). The only satisfactory way in which this can be done is by acquisition of the designated area and in this connection it would be useful if powers were obtained to allot the 'Life' of a building according to its condition and design: this will have a direct bearing upon the cost of acquisition.

24

A Survey which has been prepared indicates the areas in which the highest densities prevail: and it is interesting to remark that these are not always the oldest quarters (e.g. the District 2A, between Henessy and Gloucester Road). It is estimated that 156,670 should be taken out of Hong Kong and 29,250 from Kowloon, in order to realise the maximum density of 500 per acre.

Taking the Hong Kong figure, it is possible to relieve the Henessy Road area by the removal of the families who at present work in the Naval Dook yard and Barracks (see Section 9 of Report) : this would take out about 30,000 and leave the 3 districts 1A,2A and 2B at the appropriate density.