Page 33 - URA Annual Report 2020-21

The very first of our ‘5Rs’ strategy is redevelopment but its planning and implementation approach has evolved over the years. Instead of piecemeal, pencil block redevelopment, we are progressively adopting a district-based approach to secure greater planning and social gains. The most notable example is in Kowloon City where not a few blocks of buildings but a cluster of projects were initiated by the URA to rejuvenate the entire area covering more than two hectares, and transforming it into a smart living neighbourhood with much better accessibility, connectivity, environmental quality and vibrant street life.
Our Kwun Tong Town Centre Project has also perfectly exemplified the multiple social benefits brought to the community through restructuring and replanning of an area. These benefits include enhanced pedestrian and road networks, improvement to the underground utilities, as well as the provision of green and open space and community facilities including Hong Kong’s first indoor air-conditioned Public Transport Interchange that incorporates various innovative and smart elements.
In light of the acute housing shortage, URA has promptly responded to the Government’s Policy Address by assigning two more redevelopment projects to the ‘Starter Homes’ scheme, and assisted NGOs to develop transitional housing and redevelop community facilities on their sites under the ‘Single Site, Multiple Uses’ model.
Going forward, URA will,
under viable financial circumstances, continue to follow a planning-led approach in its urban renewal initiatives with the emphasis
on optimisation of community benefits and social impacts.
URA ANNUAL REPORT 2020-21 29
Operating Review Corporate Sustainability Management Discussion and Analysis Projects at a Glance Corporate Governance