Revitalising Industrial Buildings

51.     In 2009, I announced initiatives to better utilise vacant or under-utilised industrial buildings through redevelopment or wholesale conversion.  These measures have been in place since April 2010 and were due to last for three years.  We have made encouraging progress.  By the end of last month, the Lands Department had approved 35 applications, involving the demolition and redevelopment of 9 industrial buildings and the wholesale conversion of 26 others, providing a total gross floor area of 380 000 square metres for non-industrial uses.  Another 23 applications are being processed.

52.     In light of the mid-term review completed last month, we will extend these measures for a further three years.  To provide room for creativity in conversions, we will allow minor alterations to the frame of the buildings.  We will also encourage owners to apply for green building certification of the converted buildings.

Contents | Next