The Housing Authority today said four sites were found technically feasible for housing development, following a feasibility study on the redevelopment of its factory estates.

In the 2019 Policy Address, the Chief Executive invited the authority to explore the feasibility of redeveloping its factory estates for public housing use.

Based on an initial assessment, three sites at Yip On, Sui Fai and Wang Cheong Factory Estates are capable of producing a total of some 4,200 units in 2031. The authority will proceed with the rezoning process of these sites for residential purpose.

The fourth site, Kwai On Factory Estate, can produce some 600 units. However, since the draft Kwai Chung outline zoning plans are now subject to judicial review, rezoning will begin after cases pertinent to such plans are resolved.

The authority explained that another two sites, Hoi Tai and Chun Shing Factory Estates, are considered not feasible for housing development unless there are significant improvements in the environment of the nearby areas in the future.

At its meeting on April 23, the authority's Strategic Planning Committee endorsed the results of the study and agreed to proceed with the clearance of the tenants of Yip On, Sui Fai, Wang Cheong and Kwai On Factory Estates.

The buildings will be demolished while the rezoning exercise of the sites are underway. This will enable the authority to shorten the redevelopment programme and speed up flat production to meet public housing demand.

The authority’s Commercial Properties Committee also approved the clearance package of the four factory estates, setting out the major arrangements.

The authority added that it will individually notify affected tenants of clearance arrangement details.