Page 38 - Urban Renewal Authority 2023-24 Annual Report
P. 38

OPERATING REVIEW




            Queen’s Road West/Kwai Heung Street Project (C&W-007) (synergising with
            Sung Hing Lane/Kwai Heung Street Project (C&W-005))
            Commenced in December 2022, the C&W-007 Project involves the redevelopment of old buildings in poor
            conditions across 15 street numbers. With its proximity to the C&W-005 Project, the two projects are expected to
            create synergies and bring greater planning benefits for the community through the restructuring of land use, the
            re-shaping of urban green areas, and improved connectivity.
            As a result of the holistic restructuring of the two project sites, the existing Sung Hing Lane Children’s Playground
            area will be expanded by more than 40 percent with improved accessibility from major thoroughfares. Subject to
            approval from LCSD, the playground facilities will also be upgraded to modern standards to better serve the needs
            of the public.
            Adopting an integrated approach to urban renewal, the URA will extend its effort to improve the surrounding built
            environment with rehabilitation and revitalisation initiatives. A focus area adjoining the two project sites has been
            identified. The URA will provide financial and technical assistance to the building owners in the focus area to
            improve their building conditions through rehabilitation works. Additionally, the URA will carry out beautification
            works to streets, rear lanes and external walls of buildings to create a cityscape that blends the old elements with
            the new upon regeneration.

            The Secretary for Development (SDEV)’s authorisation for the project was obtained in September 2023. An appeal
            against SDEV’s decision was lodged. The decision of the Appeal Board dismissing the Appellants’ appeal was
            handed down in May 2024.


            Shantung Street/Thistle Street (YTM-012)
            Adopting a “planning-led” urban renewal approach, YTM-012 aims to improve the environment of the old district
            through restructuring and replanning of the project area to open up the rest garden along Thistle Street, widen its
            pavement and carry out street improvement and garden beautification works, thereby enhancing connectivity and
            providing a comfortable pedestrian environment.

















                                                                                A small sunken plaza of about 200
                                                                                square metres will be provided
                                                                                within the Shantung Street/Thistle
                                                                                Street Project area connecting the
                                                                                re-provisioned  rest  garden  and
                                                                                shops to inject vitality into the
                                                                                community, while buildings will be
                                                                                set back along Thistle Street to
              Artist Impression
                                                                                widen its pavement.
            As of May 2024, vacant possession has been obtained from over 92 percent of occupiers in the project. Site
            clearance is targeted to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024, followed by a joint venture tender invitation.
            Given its proximity to the Reclamation Street/Shantung Street Project (YTM-010), the Integrated Approach
            incorporating the “4Rs” urban renewal strategies will be used to enhance its renewal effect. A cluster of Nano-Parks
            near Shantung Street has been identified for the pilot implementation of the Nano-Parks open space system with
            support from LCSD. (More details on the Nano-Parks system as noted on page 27 under Yau Mong District Study.)






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