LegCo Members visit various shopping centres, markets and carparks of public housing estates (with photos)

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
 
     Legislative Council (LegCo) Members conduct site visits to various shopping centres, markets and carparks of public housing estates and Home Ownership Scheme today (March 13) and tomorrow (March 14) to follow up on complaints put forward by deputations relating to the further sale of these facilities by Link Real Estate Investment Trust (Link).
 
     In 2005, the Hong Kong Housing Authority divested 180 properties, including shopping centres, markets and carparks of public housing estates through Link (previously known as The Link Real Estate Investment Trust). The deputations worry that further sale of these properties by Link in recent years would induce further rental increases. They have also expressed concerns about the tenancy arrangements following Link's further sale of the shopping centres and markets. Hence, they lodge complaints with LegCo Members.
 
     Accompanied by representatives of the Housing Department and the Lands Department, Members visited Lei Cheng UK Shopping Centre and Lai Kok Shopping Centre in Sham Shui Po, Tai Wo Hau Commercial Centre and Carpark in Tsuen Wan and Yau Oi Market in Tuen Mun today. During the site visit, Members took the opportunity to exchange views with the deputations and business tenants to understand more about their concerns.
 
     Members who participated in the visit today were Mr Andrew Wan (Convenor), Mrs Regina Ip, Ms Alice Mak, Dr Kwok Ka-ki, Dr Fernando Cheung, Mr Eddie Chu, Ms Yung Hoi-yan, Dr Cheng Chung-tai and Mr Au Nok-hin.