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Peace Chiu

Allen Au-yeung

A pilot project to enable the elderly to stay in their communities in improved living conditions by renovating old buildings instead of tearing them down will probably be launched this year.
Outgoing Urban Renewal Authority managing director Daniel Lam Chun said on Thursday the authority planned to identify one or two buildings for the scheme within the year.
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“Some of our colleagues noticed volunteers carrying the elderly living on high floors in old buildings when they were sick,” he said, explaining the idea.
Lifts would be installed and public spaces revamped as part of the scheme, he said.
The Post earlier reported the authority was studying ideas to ease disruption caused to the lives of elderly residents by its urban renewal projects and lessen the cost burden on the authority, which already has a large deficit, according to a source.
But the suggestion to renovate instead of rip down buildings could stir public debate as it would involve acquiring old properties at market prices for refurbishment instead of paying an amount equivalent to the value of a seven-year-old flat in line with current compensation rules for redevelopment projects. That means affected owners would receive less cash compensation.
The idea also might not go down well with elderly residents who hope to pass on their property to the next generation, as an owner would become a tenant under the new concept.
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The source told the Post that under the preliminary proposal, the authority would acquire buildings constructed in the 1960s and 70s which are in poor condition and undertake major renovation work, including making space to install lifts.
Meanwhile, Lam said the authority would leave decisions on relics discovered at the city’s last walled village in Wong Tai Sin to the Antiquities and Monuments Office as the URA was not the relevant authority on the matter. “We will listen to them,” he said.


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Urban Renewal Authority managing director Daniel Lam is seeking a change of direction. Photo: Edmond So

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Authority to identify one or two buildings for the scheme within the year as a way to improve the life of the elderly; lifts will also be installed
