Land and Development Advisory Committee welcomes initiatives to revitalise industrial buildings

The Land and Development Advisory Committee (LDAC) welcomed the Government's innovative measures to revitalise industrial buildings through encouraging redevelopment and wholesale conversion of vacant or under-utilised industrial buildings.

At its second meeting today (November 9), LDAC members considered the policy initiatives constructive in stimulating the provision of more land and premises to meet Hong Kong's economic and social needs. They noted that a wide range of social and economic uses may be permitted in redeveloped or converted buildings in the "Other Specified Uses" annotated "Business" zone where most of the industrial buildings are located, such as church groups gathering places, activity areas of NGOs, non-residential social welfare facilities as well as higher value-added economic activities including the six advantaged industries. They also noted that the Lands Department will set up a dedicated team to process applications for redevelopment and wholesale conversion when the application period commences on April 1, 2010.

The LDAC was also briefed on the redevelopment of the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui (HKSKH) Compound by the Commissioner for Heritage. Members agreed that the project would contribute to the society in terms of enhanced community services and the promotion of heritage conservation as well as local art and culture. Members noted that the redevelopment project, fully funded by the HKSKH, would help create jobs and boost the economy. The redevelopment is one of the eight projects under the "Conserving Central" initiative announced in the 2009-10 Policy Address.

Members were consulted on the Public Engagement Process on Building Design to Foster a Quality and Sustainable Built Environment launched by the Council for Sustainable Development to gauge public views on the key issues concerned. Members acknowledged the need to strike a balance between granting GFA (gross floor area) concessions for the provision of essential, green and amenity features, and addressing public concern over building height and bulk. The Council for Sustainable Development expects to submit a report to the Government by mid-2010.  

Ends/Monday, November 9, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:51

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