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New direction: Hong Kong Urban Renewal Authority set to renovate instead of tear down old buildings

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

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

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.

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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.

“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.

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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.

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