Hong Kong Housing Authority Plans Redevelopment and Rehousing for Sai Wan and Ma Tau Wai Estates

HA to consult District Councils about clearance and rehousing arrangements for redevelopment of Sai Wan Estate and Phase 1 of Ma Tau Wai Estate

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:

The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) announced today (December 30) thatit will respectively consult the Central and Western District Council and the Kowloon City District Council next month about the clearance and rehousing arrangements for the redevelopment of Sai Wan Estate (SWE) and Phase 1 of Ma Tau Wai Estate (MTWE).

"The HA conducts assessments on aged public rental housing (PRH) estates from time to time in order to ensure the buildings are in a safe condition and suitable for accommodating residents. The actual circumstances will also be considered in a prudent manner when deciding whether to redevelop a PRH estate," a spokesman for the HA said.

The HA has reserved adequate rehousing resources for the affected tenants for the clearance and rehousing proposals of the two aforementioned PRH estates. The proposed clearance and rehousing of SWE can be carried out under a single phase in 2029 so that all affected tenants will be rehoused to Phase 1 of the Ka Wai Man Road public housing development (Annex I) nearby in one go. With the thoughtful arrangements by the project team, this proposal will allow all affected tenants to move into the new estate together with their neighbours, maintaining warm neighbourhood relationships and continuing the sense of community. There are currently 636 flats in SWE. It is expected that the number of flats will increase by 460 to about 1 100 flats after the redevelopment to cater for more residents in need.

As for the MTWE redevelopment, in consideration of the unanimous views of the residents and the community that the clearance and rehousing arrangement should be expedited, the HA proposes using part of the new Mei Tung Estate public housing development as additional rehousing resources on top of the reception estate at To Kwa Wan Road public housing development so that the phases of redevelopment can be reduced from three to two, thereby significantly shortening the rehousing period for all MTWE residents from 14 years to seven years. The clearance in Phase 1 will cover Geranium House and Narcissus House and the rehousing of the affected tenants is anticipated to commence in 2028. The clearance and rehousing for Phase 2 will be announced in due course (Annex II). After the redevelopment of the entire estate, the number of flats in MTWE is expected to increase from more than 2 000 to about 4 000 flats, providing over 2 000 additional units for residents in need.

In addition, the HA also proposes offering domestic tenants affected by the clearance a domestic removal allowance to help meet part of their moving expenses. Eligible one-person and two-person households, regardless of age, may also opt to receive a cash allowance in lieu of rehousing to a PRH unit as an alternative option to suit their needs. For example, elderly persons may move into residential care homes for the elderly, settle in the Chinese Mainland, or live with their children, etc. Furthermore, the HA also proposes to accord priority to affected tenants of HA's announced clearance projects who would like to purchase subsidised sale flats (SSFs) in lieu of PRH in flat selection over other applicants in the SSFs sale exercise(s) launched before the target clearance date.

The HA will establish an on-site Community Service Team in SWE and MTWE to help maintain effective communication with the affected households, especially the elderly, to provide help and fully assist them in vacating their existing flats and adapting to their new living environment throughout the project.

The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA), Photo source: reference image

Hong Kong Park to launch new phase of Arts Corner

A new phase of the Arts Corner will be launched by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) in Hong Kong Park starting from January 1, 2026. Park-goers can stop by a wide array of traditional and trendy handicrafts and arts services stalls while visiting the park.

The 26th phase of the Arts Corner in Hong Kong Park will run from January 1 till December 31 next year, and will be open from noon to 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at the outdoor area near the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware in the park. The Arts Corner comprises 10 stalls, displaying and selling various kinds of handicrafts and artistic works such as fabric crafts, handcrafted knitting and ornaments, as well as providing arts services including painting, portrait sketching and calligraphy.

"The Arts Corner aims to enhance public interest in arts, thereby enriching the arts atmosphere in Hong Kong," a spokesman for the department said.

In addition to the Arts Corner at Hong Kong Park, an Arts Fun Fair at Kowloon Park has also commenced.

The 27th phase of the Arts Fun Fair at Kowloon Parkis now open between 1pm and 7pm every Sunday and on public holidays. It will continue until May 31 next year at the park's Loggia. There are 13 stalls displaying and selling craftworks including floral artworks and ornaments, as well as arts services including painting and calligraphy.

"The Arts Corner has been well received in past years. Apart from stopping at the Arts Corner, park-goers can also visit other facilities in the parks," a spokesman for the department said.

For enquiries, please call 2521 5041 (Hong Kong Park) or 2724 3344 (Kowloon Park).

Hong Kong Park to launch new phase of Arts Corner Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Park to launch new phase of Arts Corner Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases