Urban Renewal Authority Managing Director Billy Lam will not renew his contract when his appointment expires December 31. An open recruitment exercise will be conducted to find a successor.

"After 37 years of public service, including the last six years with the Urban Renewal Authority, I have decided it is now the right time to take my long-awaited break and spend more time with my family.

"It has been my great honour to serve the authority over the past years and be allowed to play a part in advancing urban renewal in Hong Kong. It has been both a challenging as well as a fulfilling experience which I will look back with pride and fondness in the years to come."

Fully committed

Financial Secretary John Tsang said Mr Lam is fully committed to a comprehensive approach to urban renewal encompassing redevelopment, rehabilitation, preservation and revitalisation, which balances the need for improving urban dilapidation and a respect for our heritage and the cultural character of the city. This is instrumental to meeting rising public aspirations for conservation.

"We deeply appreciate the leadership that Mr Lam has provided to the URA over the past six years, and the significant role he has played in taking forward the arduous task of urban renewal."

Mr Tsang said the authority has increased emphasis on public engagement and involvement in its projects. In particular the successful finalisation of the Kwun Tong Town Centre project has been the result of extensive public engagement conducted by Mr Lam and his team. Mr Lam has laid a strong and solid foundation for the authority in furtherance of its mission to regenerate older districts.

Invaluable contributions

Secretary for Development Carrie Lam thanked Mr Lam for his invaluable contributions in taking forward the urban renewal programme.

"It has been a great pleasure working with Mr Lam in my last three months as Secretary for Development. We will miss his wise counsel in taking forward urban regeneration work contributing to the Chief Executive's pledge in making Hong Kong a quality city."

URA Board Chairman Barry Cheung said the board understands Mr Lam's wishes and respects his decision.

"Mr Lam's integrity, professionalism and dedication to advancing urban renewal in Hong Kong are much admired and respected by the board, management and staff alike. Mr Lam will be leaving behind a fine organisation that is well positioned to fulfill the heavy responsibilities that have been entrusted to it by the people of Hong Kong."

Click here for Mr Lam's biography.