The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) commenced the statutory planning procedures for a new project at a development cost of HK$424 million in Sham Shui Po, giving a further boost to regenerate the district where comprehensive urban renewal initiatives have been implemented.

   Located at Shun Ning Road near Tonkin Street in Sham Shui Po, the project covers an area of about 827 sq m. Built in 1954-55, the five buildings within the project area are in a generally dilapidated condition with unauthorized rooftop structures. The URA's initial proposal is to redevelop the site to provide about 110 residential units and 8,342 sq ft of commercial floor area, scheduled for completion by 2016/2017.

   If approval is granted by the Secretary for Development, the URA would proceed with acquisition of the properties and re-housing for the tenants in accordance with the prevailing acquisition and rehousing principles, which are estimated to cost about HK$194 million at current prices. Adding construction and interest to the budget, the total development cost is estimated to reach HK$424 million.

   Over the years, a total of 12 redevelopment projects involving 156 buildings have been implemented by the URA in Sham Shui Po, five in collaboration with the Housing Society (HS), to help improve the living environment of some 2,240 households. Sham Shui Po will see a major facelift in the next few years upon the gradual completion of all these projects. Besides, some 86 buildings involving over 3,800 residential units in the district have also joined the building rehabilitation schemes of the URA and HS.