On a hot summer’s day, elderly residents sit chatting under the shade of some large trees – a simple scene of community harmony facilitated by the recent completion of the first phase of improvement works at Mei Lam Estate in Sha Tin.

Under the Housing Authority’s well-being design pretest – a key step in applying the Well-Being Design Guide launched in 2024 by the authority and the Housing Bureau – the estate’s old fountain area has been transformed into an open area known as Heartland Plaza. The project team removed old fencing around the fountain structure, updated lighting features and added walkways and social seating, thereby creating an accessible space in which residents can walk, relax and connect with nature.

The upgrades also involved establishing a “tree walk”, with informative tags giving residents the chance to learn about the various species around them.

“Since opening, Heartland Plaza has come alive again with residents of all ages,” remarked Housing Department Senior Maintenance Surveyor Raymond Tse. “We are delighted to see some elderly residents relaxing under the tree shade, while younger residents stroll along the path.”

Community co-creation

Mr Tse outlined that the revitalisation project moves beyond traditional upgrades by placing community participation at the heart of the design process.

“In our past renovation projects, we mainly focused on hardware improvements, but for Mei Lam Estate, which is a pilot project under the 'Well-being' initiative, we emphasise community co-creation.

“We want to co-create with our residents so that we could ensure our design could meet the genuine needs of our residents.”

Learning opportunities

To deepen local involvement, the project team invited school pupils who had previously participated in workshops to join a planting activity during the plaza’s opening ceremony.

Free Methodist Mei Lam Primary School student Susie Chan expressed pride in contributing to her neighborhood. “I feel like I have a huge sense of achievement in helping Mei Lam Estate feel greener, and I really want people to know how eco-friendly this place is,” she said, adding that she looks forward to enjoying the plants with her classmates in the new space.

Her schoolmate, Ng Cheuk-ting said the planting activity had been a memorable and meaningful experience.

School Affairs Mistress Tess Tse highlighted that the event offered a practical lesson in citizenship while opening up future outdoor learning opportunities.

“Teaming up with district councillors and the District Services & Community Care Team for this planting activity is a real-life lesson in citizenship. It shows our students that a strong, happy community does not happen by accident. This awesome space is perfect for learning outdoors. We are already making plans to use it for all kinds of activities, like observing plants for general studies, outdoor sketching for art class, and even hosting community service events.”

Beautification works

To create a welcoming atmosphere right at the estate’s entrance, the project team also collaborated with the Highways Department to beautify nearby flyover piers with vibrant art murals.

The Well-being Design Guide was devised with estate refurbishment projects in mind, and Mei Lam Estate was selected as one of five pilot estates under the well-being design pretest. The Heartland Plaza and flyover piers beautification works mark the project’s first phase.

According to Mr Tse, since the initiative launched, over 40 estates have been identified for improvement works, with many having already completed facade beautification and other upgrades that have gained positive feedback from residents.

“In the future, we will continue to select suitable estates for improvement works annually,” he said. “We will continue to bring well-being to our residents by some simple and heartwarming designs.”