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The Lands Department today (August 3) announced the resumption of land for the implementation of a preservation cum revitalisation project at Shanghai Street/Argyle Street in Mong Kok.
The project is included in the Urban Renewal Authority's (URA) Business Plan for 2008-09. Implementation of the project will preserve and revitalise the cluster of historic pre-war verandah-type shophouses and also help to improve the environment of the locality and the living conditions of the residents.
A total of 23 private property interests will be resumed under the Lands Resumption Ordinance at the project site at Shanghai Street near Argyle Street. The affected interests will revert to the Government three months from the date when the resumption notice is affixed on site. Details of the private land affected were gazetted today.
Apart from their entitlement to statutory compensation, eligible owners of domestic properties will be offered an ex-gratia home purchase allowance or supplementary allowance as appropriate. Eligible domestic occupiers will be offered rehousing in Hong Kong Housing Authority or Hong Kong Housing Society units, or an ex-gratia cash allowance.
Eligible commercial property occupiers, including owners and tenants, may choose an ex-gratia allowance in lieu of the right to make statutory claims for business and related losses.
Affected owners and tenants of both domestic and commercial properties will also have the right to make statutory claims under the Lands Resumption Ordinance. If the claims cannot be settled by agreement, the owners and tenants may apply to the Lands Tribunal for adjudication. Professional fees reasonably incurred for making such claims may be reimbursed by the Government.
Upon resumption, the site, with an approximate size of 900 square metres, will be granted to the URA. In accordance with the development scheme plan approved by the Chief Executive in Council under the Town Planning Ordinance, the four intervening post-war buildings will be redeveloped to accommodate necessary building services and facilities while the cluster of 10 pre-war verandah-type shophouses will be preserved for adaptive re-use.
Ends/Friday, August 3, 2012
Issued at HKT 15:01
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