URA pushes To Kwa Wan renewal and Flower Market 2.0
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Urban Renewal Authority managing director Wai-hing Choi said the authority is moving beyond piecemeal redevelopment toward district-based urban regeneration, using To Kwa Wan as a flagship example and planning a new “Flower Market 2.0” trial operating space in Mong Kok. He said the approach aims to improve living conditions, preserve district character and help businesses adapt during redevelopment
Key Points
- Choi said the URA, established in 2001 under the Urban Renewal Authority Ordinance, has completed 80 redevelopment and preservation projects, rebuilt more than 1,700 dilapidated buildings and provided over 37,000 new flats
- He said “pinpoint” redevelopment is no longer adequate, and the URA had already shifted from a project-led model to a district-based planning approach to tackle ageing districts and ageing buildings
- In 2016, the URA launched a “small district development” model in To Kwa Wan, combining eight adjacent redevelopment projects into Hong Kong’s first “small district redevelopment new community”
- The first residential project in that To Kwa Wan cluster has sold nearly 700 units, accounting for 92.5% of saleable flats, while the final To Kwa Wan Road/Wing Kwong Street project is being prepared for tender
- At the Flower Market redevelopment area around Sai Yee Street and Flower Market Road, the URA plans a centrally located “Flower Market 2.0” trial space for affected florists to continue business and test upgraded operating models during rebuilding
Why It Matters
The plan shows how urban renewal in Hong Kong is being framed not only as demolition and rebuilding, but also as a way to reorganise streets, public space and local commerce at district level. For residents and shop operators in older neighbourhoods, the practical test will be whether transition arrangements such as Flower Market 2.0 can preserve business continuity and district vitality while redevelopment proceeds