Page 13 - URA Annual Report 2020-21

(4) Regulatory Review
At a meeting of the Legislative Council in July 2021, the Chief Executive mentioned that the Government would examine ways to enhance urban renewal so as to tackle the ageing of buildings in Hong Kong and the associated safety and hygiene problems. Faced with the various restrictions on the development of old districts, the URA is also studying the introduction of new planning tools to optimise the potential of land use in old districts for urban renewal purpose.
In parallel, the URA will conduct comprehensive review of each stage of its project development and strive to improve its work processes, shorten the redevelopment cycle and accelerate cash flow returns, so as to speed up the pace of urban renewal.
Celebrating our 20th anniversary with renewed commitment
At the time of writing, the pandemic is levelling off in Hong Kong. While it has dealt a severe blow to the city’s social and economic environment, the pandemic has also reminded the public that the living environment and hygiene of old districts cannot be ignored.
Over the past year, colleagues in the URA have worked diligently and proactively to mitigate the challenges posed by the pandemic. They use technology to ensure timely completion of freezing surveys and all relevant household follow-up work that are essential for the implementation of our redevelopment projects. I thank them for their outstanding achievements.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to all members of the Board for their support to the work of the URA and for their enthusiastic participation. Their insightful advice and guidance are most valuable and much appreciated.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the URA, a period that has seen some significant changes to our role. Today, the URA takes on increasingly greater urban renewal and social responsibilities. Residents of old districts have shown increasingly stronger aspirations for a better living environment.
Looking forward, the URA will remain committed to its mandate of continuous urban renewal to improve our urban fabric and overall living environment of the residents. This could only be achieved by a holistic and forward-looking planning approach. The URA will play its part to make Hong Kong a better city for our and future generations.
CHOW Chung-kong, GBM, GBS, JP Chairman
31 July 2021
Visiting with Board members to Hong Kong’s first indoor bus waiting area at the Kwun Tong Town Centre Project, which incorporates various smart elements and air conditioning, providing the public with enhanced communal facilities.
URA ANNUAL REPORT 2020-21 9
Chairman’s Statement Managing Director’s Statement Operating Review Corporate Sustainability Management Discussion and Analysis Projects at a Glance Corporate Governance