Urban Renewal Authority announces Sai Ying Pun Redevelopment

The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) announced in an assessment report on Dec. 2 that part of Sai Ying Pun neighbourhood will be redeveloped to make way for 180 new homes.

The site identified as an area of 14,000 square feet is located at Queen’s Road West and Kwai Heung Street.

Mike Kwan, general manager for planning and design at URA was quoted in an RTHK article as saying, “This is to restructure and to improve the belt environment, at the same time enhance the pedestrian connectivity and accessibility, walkability of the area.”

Under a district-based urban renewal approach, the project claims to provide an open space of 150 square meters for public equipment, open the Sun Hing Lane Playground to enhance accessibility, and provide around 180 new residential units.

The neighbourhood has responded with mixed feelings. According to the RTHK report, a woman who manages a stall said the project will force her business to move out of the area.

“How can we survive? We rely on this stall to support our family. We have no idea what to do now. How can we afford the rent outside? It’s impossible. The economy is bad as well. We don’t know what to do,” she told RTHK.

A dentist working in the same area said he supported the development, and he is not concerned about his business after the move.

“If I’m doing good, they will follow me. We have their information, we will notify them. When they call us, we will inform them where we’ve moved,” he was quoted as saying.

The URA has set their target completion date for 2031/32. Find out more about the proposed redevelopment here.