Page 36 - URA Annual Report 2021-22

OPERATING REVIEW
Strategic Studies for Effective and 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 were completed with findings and recommendations to guide the future trajectory of the URA’s urban renewal initiatives.
Yau Mong District Study (YMDS)
To undertake urban renewal with greater effectiveness, the YMDS, a strategic planning study was commenced aiming to establish new implementation mechanism and planning tools to overcome existing challenges in urban renewal.
The study came to a fruitful conclusion in early 2021. Three Master Urban Renewal Concept Plans (MRCPs) with varying development intensity were developed while strategic areas and development nodes were identified. A suite of new planning tools such as transfer of plot ratio, interchangeability of domestic and non-domestic plot ratios and site amalgamation under street consolidation areas (SCAs) were proposed to help expedite urban renewal. Some early initiatives including a selected nodal development and an SCA to be implemented by the URA were identified in the study and included in the Corporate Plan for implementation.
Aerial view of the now densely-populated Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok districts.
Following the completion of the study, the URA conducted extensive consultations and engagements with the Legislative Council, Yau Tsim Mong District Council, professional institutes and other stakeholders to share key findings and recommendations of YMDS. The Government welcomed the directions recommended in YMDS and rendered its support by incorporating the new planning tools, identified from the Study, in the amendments to the relevant Outline Zoning Plans to allow, among others, interchangeability between domestic and non-domestic plot ratio in selected areas within Mong Kok district, increase in the plot ratio for the Nathan Road commercial spine and the flexibility for developments around character streets. With the implementation of the new planning tools to unleash development potential, the URA will at the same time work with the Development Bureau and relevant departments to incentivise more private market participation in urban renewal to speed up the pace of urban renewal.
An information booklet has been published summarising the findings and recommendations of Yau Mong District Study.
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