At its meeting today (April 26), the Land and Development Advisory Committee (LDAC) advised the Government to support two land development projects handled by the Development Opportunities Office (DOO).
Members considered a proposal by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service to redevelop the Duke of Windsor Social Service Building in Wan Chai. Members noted that the redeveloped building would provide more office space as well as meeting and training facilities for shared use by the proponent and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs). They also noted that the new building would be a low carbon and green landmark building.
Members generally supported the project and considered that the proposed redevelopment would provide additional space and facilities to respond to the need of NGOs in Hong Kong and enable them to provide more social services for the community.
Members also suggested that in view of the growing population and hence the increasing demand for social services, the Government should explore the possibility of pursuing land exchange with the proponent for redevelopment of the Duke of Windsor Social Service Building elsewhere. If another site allowing a larger scale of development could be identified, it would provide more space for the proponent and release the current site for other uses that would support Hong Kong's further economic development.
The Committee also discussed a proposal by Swire Properties Limited to improve the pedestrian circulation area at the junction of Queen's Road East and Hennessy Road. Members noted that the proposal involved widening the pedestrian crossing and redesigning the sitting-out area and street furniture.
Members supported the project and agreed that it would enhance the streetscape, improve pedestrian flow and provide a higher quality sitting-out area to the public. Members welcomed the effort of the proponent, as a private enterprise, in carrying out several local improvement schemes to renovate the public open spaces in the area and contribute to enhancing the cityscape. They considered that first-stop and one-stop consultation and co-ordination service should be provided to encourage the private sector to take up more similar local improvement schemes.
The Committee also agreed unanimously that the Chairman should write to the Secretary for Development, recommending that the next-term Government should re-establish a dedicated unit similar in function to the DOO to provide one-stop consultation and co-ordination service to land development proposals, so as to facilitate the implementation of more innovative land development projects with social and economic merits.
Ends/Thursday, April 26, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:55
NNNN