LCQ12: Development planning of site in Area 111, Ma On Shan
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Question:
The Government announced in October 2021 its agreement to subsidise the transitional housing development at Lok Wo Sha Lane, Area 111, Ma On Shan. However, according to the Draft Ma On Shan Outline Zoning Plan No. S/MOS/23, the site in Area 111, Ma On Shan (the site) is zoned for "Government, Institution or Community" uses, and is earmarked for the construction of a stadium. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) as the aforesaid transitional housing development will cease operation by approximately 2028, whether the Government has made detailed planning and drawn up a timetable in respect of the long-term development uses of the site; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(2) as it is learnt that the supply of cultural and recreational facilities in the Ma On Shan District falls short of demand, whether the Government will consider constructing a leisure and cultural building at the site to provide facilities such as library, study room, indoor swimming pool, activity room and children's playroom?
Reply:
President,
My consolidated reply to the questions raised by the Hon Lam So-wai is as follows:
According to the approved Ma On Shan Outline Zoning Plan No. S/MOS/24, a site at Lok Wo Sha Lane in Area 111, Ma On Shan zoned "Government, Institution or Community" is reserved for the construction of a Sports Centre which has yet to be planned. The said site was leased to the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals for transitional housing on a short-term tenancy in mid-September 2022, with a fixed term of four years and nine months and thereafter quarterly.
Regarding the sports and recreation facilities in Sha Tin District, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) is now gradually implementing the projects under the "Five-year Plan for Sports and Recreation Facilities" announced in the Policy Address in January 2017 as well as the "10-Year Development Blueprint for Sports and Recreation Facilities" proposed in the 2022 Policy Address, including the Amenity Complex in Area 103, Ma On Shan (with sports centre and indoor heated swimming pool to be provided) and the Whitehead Sports Park. Whitehead Sports Park will be the second sports park in Hong Kong after Kai Tak Sports Park, providing diversified and more venues meeting international standards. As for the cultural facilities, the LCSD is now actively planning for various projects in Sha Tin District including small libraries (with students' study rooms), a Hong Kong Public Libraries New Book Centre (including a New Book Express Service Point for public use), etc. Upon completion of the above works projects, the LCSD will proceed to commence other projects, including the initial planning work for the Sports Centre in Area 111, Ma On Shan. The LCSD will continue to closely monitor the development of Sha Tin District to ensure timely provision of suitable sports and cultural facilities for the public.
Ends/Wednesday, November 23, 2022
Issued at HKT 14:15
Issued at HKT 14:15
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