ENG-2013 — Page 248

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Infrastructure Development and Heritage Conservation

Renewal Plan for Kowloon City in December. The plan will be submitted to the government for consideration in early 2014.

The $500 million independent Urban Renewal Trust Fund has funded social service teams appointed to provide assistance and advice to residents affected by URA-redevelopment projects. The fund's Urban Renewal Heritage Preservation and District Revitalisation Funding Scheme, launched in 2012, supports urban renewal preservation and revitalisation projects proposed by the community.

To accelerate the renewal of old industrial areas to release land for residential or commercial development, the Financial Secretary invited the URA to launch a pilot scheme to redevelop industrial buildings in his 2012-13 Budget Speech. Two projects were started, but the project at Kennedy Town was ceased because all the property owners objected. The other project at Cheung Sha Wan is under way. As at the end of December, the URA and its partners had commenced 66 redevelopment projects, including 10 taken over from the former Land Development Corporation and three preservation-cum-revitalisation projects.

Lifts and Escalators Safety

To further enhance lifts and escalators safety, the government in 2013 implemented a series of measures, including strengthening inspections, and enhancing publicity to trade practitioners. on their obligations under the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance. In July, the government established the Lift and Escalator Safety Advisory Committee to give advice to the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services on the administration and enforcement of the ordinance.

Heritage Conservation

Heritage Conservation Policy and New Initiatives

The government's heritage conservation policy is to protect, conserve and revitalise as appropriate historical and heritage sites and buildings through relevant and sustainable approaches for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. In implementing this policy, due regard is given to development needs in the public interest, respect for private property rights, budgetary considerations, cross-sector collaboration and the active engagement of stakeholders and the general public.

By the end of 2013, six projects launched under the 'Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme' of the Commissioner for Heritage's Office (CHO) had commenced operation: the former North Kowloon Magistracy, Old Tai O Police Station, Lui Seng Chun, Fong Yuen Study Hall, Mei Ho House and Phase I of the former Lai Chi Kok Hospital. In December, applications were invited under Batch IV of the scheme for the adaptive re-use of four historic buildings: No 12 School Street, Old Dairy Farm Senior Staff Quarters, Lady Ho Tung Welfare Centre and King Yin Lei. The government is also partnering non-profit-making organisations to revitalise selected historic buildings, including (with the Hong Kong Jockey Club) the Central Police Station Compound and (with the Musketeers Education and Culture Charitable Foundation Limited and its partners) the former Police Married Quarters on Hollywood Road.

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