The statutory planning approval application for two new redevelopment projects in Sham Shui Po has started. The Urban Renewal Authority estimates the total development cost to reach $1.1 billion.

A notice announcing the start of planning for the projects was gazetted today. The authority will submit a development scheme to the Town Planning Board for consideration.

Facelift facade: The two Sham Shui Po redevelopment project sites are occupied by dilapidated buildings. An artist's impression of the Lai Chi Kok Road-Kweilin Street and Yee Kuk Street redevelopment project.

320 households involved

The two project sites cover 35,500 square feet. They are presently occupied by 17 buildings, mostly built in the 1950's and in a generally dilapidated condition.

There are about 320 households comprising around 800 residents in the buildings, but the actual number will be ascertained in a freezing survey conducted by the authority today.

The authority's initial proposal is to redevelop the sites to build about 390 residential units, 50,000 square feet of commercial floor area and 4,300 square feet of open space for public use, subject to Town Planning Board requirements.

Compensation and rehousing

The authority has to obtain consent of the board and approval by the Chief Executive in Council for the scheme plan before it proceeds with the acquisition of property interests and compensation or rehousing for tenants.

Within the next two months, plans delineating the boundaries of the two projects plus a general description will be displayed at the authority's Information Centre in Sheung Wan, its Neighbourhood Centre in Tai Kok Tsui and the Public Enquiry Service Centre of the Sham Shui Po District Office.

An urban renewal social service team commissioned by the authority and staffed by Salvation Army social workers will provide counselling and practical assistance to residents.