Urban Renewal Authority 2018-19 Annual Report

29 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR 09 To preserve and strengthen the social network of the underprivileged kids and families in To Kwa Wan District, especially those living in URA’s project areas or in the vicinity, “oUR Amazing Kid Band” was set up to provide free music training to 30 underprivileged kids. Handled the relocation issues related to occupiers of unauthorised building structures (UBTs) in Kwun Tong Town Centre Project pragmatically through sincere communications with the occupiers. One-off special package issued to 116 occupiers with over 80% accepting the offers and handed over the UBT before the expiry of deadline. 07 Operation Building Bright 2.0 and Fire Safety Improvement Works Subsidy Scheme started accepting applications to help building owners conduct inspections and repairs required under the Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme, and comply with the fire safety enhancement measures required under the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance. It aimed to tackle potential safety hazards at private domestic/composite buildings and enhance fire safety standards of old composite buildings. Took over the work of the Hong Kong Housing Society under the Mandatory Building Inspection Subsidy Scheme, to take charge of all new applications, expanding the URA’s coverage to the whole area of Hong Kong. Partnered with major car park operators in the Tsuen Wan South area to launch a smart parking mobile app, TW Smart Parking, to provide mobile phone users with real-time information on available parking spaces at car parks of seven major shopping centres and two public/residential carparks to make trip planning more convenient for drivers. The URA Board approved to accept an invitation from the Chief Executive to assign the Ma Tau Wai Road/Chun Tin Street Project as the Starter Homes (SH) Pilot Project. It would provide home-purchase choices and help to meet home ownership aspirations for higher-income applicants who were not eligible for the Home Ownership Scheme but unable to afford private housing. 08 Assisted the rebuilding and repair of hawker stalls being affected by a fire accident at Graham Street in Central. The URA provided hawker stall owners with financial assistance for rebuilding or repairing their stalls and reconnecting electricity. 10 To enhance living space in its development, the URA increased the minimum flat size for each residential unit to a saleable area of not less than 300 square feet with the Castle Peak Road / Un Chau Street Development Project being the first project adopting this practice. The respective development contract was awarded in October 2018.