Policy Address
MTRCL’s Siu Ho Wan Depot Site
99. We have drawn up the Outline Zoning Plan for the Siu Ho Wan Depot Site topside development of the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL). Based on the latest assessment, it is expected that the site may provide about 20 000 residential units in the medium to long term, of which around 50% will be SSFs. This is going to be the second topside public housing project on railway facilities since the Kornhill development on the Island Line four decades ago in the 1980s. This demonstrates the current-term Government’s determination in expanding public housing supply.
Redevelopment of Urban Squatter Areas
100. The studies on resuming three urban squatter areas at Cha Kwo Ling, Ngau Chi Wan and Chuk Yuen United Village for redevelopment into high-density public housing have made good progress. In view of the experience of the HKHS in housing production, rehousing of residents and integrated community planning, we will invite the HKHS to undertake the implementation of the three projects. We strive to commence the rezoning procedures progressively in the first half of 2021. If things go smoothly, it is expected that site formation and infrastructure works will start in phases in 2025. These three projects are expected to provide a total of 6 300 public housing units.
Unleash the Development Potential of Private Land
101. Privately-owned land has always been an important source of housing supply. The Government launched a three-year Land Sharing Pilot Scheme in May this year and has embarked on initial discussions with interested land owners. Besides, as proposed in last year’s Policy Address, the DEVB has reviewed private land zoned for high-density housing development but without any specific development plan, and assessed whether any such land is suitable for public housing development. It is expected that the related work will be completed by the end of this year. The DEVB will set up the Development Projects Facilitation Office (DPFO) to facilitate the processing of planning, leasing modification and other development approval applications for larger-scale private residential sites leading up to the commencement of works. The DPFO will co-ordinate with departments involved to expedite the approval process and help resolve issues, including early escalation of unresolved issues to higher levels for steer.
