Urban Renewal Authority 2018-19 Annual Report

31 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR 02 The Kai Tak Road/Sa Po Road Development Scheme was launched to take forward urban renewal in the district by pioneering a “planning- led” approach for bringing in more planning benefits. Complementing the Government’s Kai Tak Development, the project would emerge as a connecting point between the old and new districts in Kowloon City and Kai Tak Development Area as well as provide a solution to address the issue of shortage of car park. 04 Co-organised by URA and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs), the 2 nd Youth Leadership Programme concluded. 87 students from six participating schools adapted the insights they gained from the Programme to initiate creative proposals in promoting urban renewal, enhancing the living environments of old districts while strengthening local characteristics. The participating students also hosted presentations on “Urban Renewal Day” in their schools to share their new district knowledge with other schoolmates. 05 Mr Chow Chung-kong began his three-year term as Chairman of the URA on 1 May 2019, taking over the office from Mr Victor So Hing-woh who retired on 30 April 2019 after some six years of dedicated services on the Board. 06 Well received by the applicants, all 450 “Starter Homes” (SH) Pilot Project units were selected in just six working days. The URA would conduct a comprehensive review of the project and provide recommendation to the Government for implementing future SH projects. 03 Under the joint efforts of the private, public and professional sectors in building rehabilitation, the URA launched the Building Rehabilitation Platform (www.brplatform.org.hk ) providing all-in- one information and technical support for building owners. The Government allocated $2.5 billion to partner with the URA for launch of the Lift Modernisation Subsidy Scheme (LIMSS), encouraging owners in need with professional support to gear up for the implementation of lift improvement works. LIMSS opened for application in March 2019. 07 The URA joined hands with Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) and Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) for the second year in organising URA/ IVE/HKDI Innovative Design Competition which aimed at encouraging students to apply their knowledge, innovation and smart-living concepts to unique designs, carrying Central and Sheung Wan characteristics while focussing on youth-elderly integration and sustainable development. The innovative design, “Invisible Oasis”, which featured a water curtain at the open space of Central Market won the competition.