Page 27 - Building Journal - November 2017

URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY

Urban Renewal Authority
People first, district-based,

public participatory

Message by Victor So Hing-woh, Chairman, Urban Renewal Authority

here is no place like home. But as time environment through strategic planning and
goes by, certain districts of our home design, thereby achieving bigger community
Ttown may inevitably become run- benefits.
down. Some tens of thousands of households Lately, the URA is exploring more dynamic
are now living in dilapidated buildings with and forward looking approaches in urban
poor living conditions. Fighting urban decay renewal and has achieved breakthroughs
through urban renewal is a vital part in the like district-based redevelopment for better
sustainable development of Hong Kong. urban fabrics with improved road networks
Entrusted with a mission to address this for vehicles and pedestrians, as well as open
growing problem of urban decay, aiming space.
to create a quality and vibrant living for Notwithstanding this, we have never
the people of Hong Kong, the URA was stopped looking for innovations and better
established under the Urban Renewal ways to undertake our 4R works. In view
Authority Ordinance in May 2001 as the of the challenges and opportunities at the
statutory body to undertake, encourage, present moment and in the foreseeable
promote and facilitate the regeneration of the future, we have embarked on a number of
older urban areas of Hong Kong. major studies to look into the breadth and
To take forward urban renewal in Hong depth of the problem of urban decay, aiming
Kong, the URA has adopted a diverse to formulate urban renewal solutions that
approach by way of redevelopment, enable us to rise to the challenges and take
rehabilitation, preservation and revitalisation urban regeneration to new dimensions and
which we collectively name as the 4R be sustainable.
strategy. Over the years, urban renewal has Urban renewal is a complex and
evolved from taking care of old buildings and challenging task. Lets join hands to create
improving the quality of living of the people a high quality and vibrant urban living for
in old urban districts, to improving the built Hong Kong, our home.
(Source: URA)

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