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The following is issued on behalf of the Secretariat of the Kowloon City District Urban Renewal Forum:
The Kowloon City District Urban Renewal Forum (DURF) held a meeting this afternoon (August 25). The future work plan of Kowloon City DURF, the future use of the former Ma Tau Kok Animal Quarantine Depot (Cattle Depot) and the report on site visits were discussed during the meeting.
At the meeting, members agreed to commence the Study on Urban Renewal Plan for Kowloon City, which aims at formulating an urban renewal plan and action area plans for the district in late 2011. The study will also make proposals with regard to the preservation of heritage, architectural or local characteristics and heritage trails, as well as examine problems in the district. During the Study, different stages of public engagement exercises would be conducted to collect public views. Members also agreed to conduct the social impact assessment at an early stage, which would help assess the potential social impact of proposed urban renewal plans, and to make necessary amendments to the plans. The timetable for other work items, such as submission of a recommended proposal to the Government, public education and monitoring work on the progress of implementation of selected redevelopment, rehabilitation, preservation and revitalisation projects, was also agreed by members.
Members also gave their views on the future use of the Cattle Depot, and will continue to study the key findings and local views collected from the three site visits conducted in July in Hung Hom, To Kwa Wan, Lung Tong and Ho Man Tin sub-districts.
Kowloon City DURF was established on June 1, 2011, comprising a total of 20 non-official and official members appointed by the Secretary for Development. Dr Greg Wong was appointed as Chairman of the forum. Non-official members include four incumbent members of the Kowloon City District Council, two Area Committee members who are centres-in-charge of local non-governmental organisations and professionals from relevant fields.
Members of the public can visit the DURF website at www.durf.org.hk for the latest information and meeting updates.
Ends/Thursday, August 25, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:05
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