Page 30 - URA Annual Report 2020-21

OPERATING REVIEW
Three Strategic Studies for Sustainable Urban Renewal
Our continuous efforts in pushing forward urban regeneration are backed by three strategic studies commenced in 2017/18 with a view to addressing Hong Kong’s rapid urban decay in an effective and sustainable manner. All the strategic studies have been completed by 2020/21 with findings to guide the future trajectory of the URA’s urban renewal initiatives.
Yau Mong District Study (YMDS)
The sheer magnitude of Hong Kong’s rapidly-ageing building stock is well beyond the URA’s capabilities under its current mode of operation. To undertake urban renewal with greater efficiency and effectiveness, the YMDS, a strategic planning study aiming at taking renewal under a district-based approach encompassing all the ‘5Rs’ in a holistic manner, was commenced in May 2017.
In 2020/21, all the working papers including the three Master Renewal Concept Plans of different density scenarios were completed. The report of YMDS with key findings and recommendations, in particular the proposed planning tools, is being finalised having regard to comments from Government bureaux and departments. The URA will then kick-start the public engagement, including consultation sessions with professional institutes and district organisations. More detailed studies on early projects and pilot testing of the proposed planning tools have commenced.
Buildings aged 50 years or above in the boundary area of YMDS are highlighted in red, reflecting the pressing issue of urban decay in the district.
Study on New Strategy on Building Rehabilitation (NSBR)
The NSBR commenced in 2017 aims to formulate a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy covering buildings of all ages to reduce the number of dilapidated buildings which may otherwise require redevelopment.
The study, which was completed in 2020, has enabled the URA to formulate a strategy for the promotion of good practices on preventive maintenance and voluntary maintenance through collaboration with various stakeholders. In 2020/21, the URA devised an action plan for the promotion strategy and kick-started several actions including the compilation of maintenance manual template, maintenance plan template and design for maintainability checklist, as well as collaboration with professional institutes and property management companies to step up promotion of preventive maintenance and encourage the adoption of related measures among industry practitioners.
26 URA ANNUAL REPORT 2020-21