Land resumption for urban renewal projects in Sai Ying Pun and To Kwa Wan gazetted

     The Lands Department today (February 26) announced the resumption of land in Sai Ying Pun and To Kwa Wan for the implementation of two urban renewal development projects.

     The two development projects were included in the Urban Renewal Authority's Business Plans for 2017-18 and 2018-19 respectively. Their implementation will help improve the overall living environment of the areas.

     One of the project sites is located at Queen's Road West/In Ku Lane in Sai Ying Pun. A total of 67 private property interests at the project site will be resumed under the Lands Resumption Ordinance (LRO). The project site, with an area of about 2 046 square metres, will be redeveloped for residential use with retail/commercial facilities, a neighbourhood elderly centre sub-base and ancillary facilities. A Government refuse collection point cum public toilet and a public open space will also be provided within the site.  

     The other project site is located at Wing Kwong Street/Sung On Street in To Kwa Wan. A total of 307 private property interests at the project site will be resumed under the LRO. The project site, with an area of about 3 016 sq m, will be redeveloped for residential use with retail/commercial and ancillary facilities, together with road improvement works. 

     The affected interests will revert to the Government on the expiration of three months from the date on which the resumption notices are affixed on-site. Details of the private land affected were published by notices gazetted today (Queen's Road West/In Ku Lane and Wing Kwong Street/Sung On Street).

     Apart from statutory compensation, eligible owners of domestic properties will be offered an ex-gratia home purchase allowance or a supplementary allowance as appropriate. Eligible domestic tenants will be offered rehousing to public rental housing units provided by the Hong Kong Housing Authority or the Hong Kong Housing Society, or an ex-gratia allowance.

     Eligible commercial property occupiers, including owners and tenants, may opt for an ex-gratia allowance in lieu of the right to claim statutory compensation for business and related losses.

     If statutory claims made by the affected owners and tenants of both domestic and commercial properties under the LRO cannot be settled by agreement, the owners and tenants may apply to the Lands Tribunal for adjudication. Professional fees reasonably incurred by the claimants in making such claims may be reimbursed by the Government.