Urban Renewal Authority 2018-19 Annual Report

12 MESSAGE FROM THE NEW CHAIRMAN Shouldering Social Responsibility for the Greatest Benefits of Community The URA takes on the social responsibility of pushing forward urban renewal under the directives of the Urban Renewal Strategy. In addition to turning dilapidated structures into buildings that meet modern standards, complemented by environmentally friendly features, the URA also capitalises on the opportunities of redeveloping the built environment to replan and rationalise land use for better design and availability of recreational green space and community facilities for greater public enjoyment. Through the work of regenerating old districts, not only has the URA enhanced community landscape on a holistic level, but also improved the quality of housing and living environment for local residents. With the offer of ex-gratia payment and rehousing measures, the URA has helped relocate affected tenants from their dilapidated buildings to better new homes. Meanwhile, beyond the scope of helping those affected by its projects, the URA has also appropriated more than 60 flats to the Hong Kong Council of Social Service. These provide transitional housing under the Community Housing Movement to render assistance to people living in poor conditions or those long awaiting public rental accommodation in order to improve their living conditions. I sincerely hope that the living quality of every resident whom we have engaged will be enhanced, thus fulfilling the objectives of urban renewal. Realising that the living and built environment in old districts cannot be improved by redevelopment alone, the URA attaches great importance to building rehabilitation as one of its two core businesses. Over the years, the URA has proactively offered subsidies and professional support to building owners and assisted them in organising building repair works, thereby improving the safety and hygiene condition of the old buildings, while helping to slow down ageing of buildings and alleviating the pressure for redevelopment. Last year the URA commenced a comprehensive New Building Rehabilitation Strategy Study which aims to review the current regulatory framework and measures on building rehabilitation, with a view to formulating prospective strategies for rehabilitating buildings of different ages. These measures, aimed at establishing a preventive maintenance culture, will furnish building owners with all-round assistance for undertaking building rehabilitation. Visiting residents affected by redevelopment project who have been rehoused to public rental housing flat in the same district.