A dilapidated area at Yu Lok Lane and Centre Street in Sai Ying Pun will be turned into a landscaped garden with residential space under a $357 million Urban Renewal Authority plan.

The move will improve the living conditions of about 80 households, many of whom have long urged the authority to redevelop the area.

New look: A dilapidated area in Sai Ying Pun will be turned into a landscaped garden with local heritage and nostalgic features.

Local heritage

District Development Director Joseph Lee said the 19,600 square feet site is occupied by 21 buildings, mostly two to three storeys tall and built in the 1940s  and 50s.

They are mostly in a very poor condition and deemed to be beyond economic repair. Some do not have basic sewage facilities.

"Our initial plan is to devote most of the street-level open space for building a specially designed landscaped garden. We hope the design will feature some of the local heritage and nostalgic features of Sai Ying Pun."

The scheme also proposes to construct a residential block of 220 units with some commercial floor space. However, the block will be elevated 20 feet so that almost the entire site at ground level can be used for the garden.

Tree housing

Subject to detailed survey, two trees will be considered for preservation in addition to new trees and greenery to be put in place.

Noting the scheme will affect 47 property interests and about 80 households homing 180 residents, the authority will consult them and the Central & Western District Council on how to proceed.

It will also seek the consent of the Town Planning Board and the Chief Executive-in-Council before it begins acquisition of the property and provides compensation or rehousing to the tenants, estimated to cost $119 million.

Details of the scheme were gazetted today. Briefings will be held for owners and tenants to explain the planning approval procedure, acquisition and compensation arrangements. An urban renewal social service team will offer counselling and assistance to residents. Enquiries can be made on the authority's hotline 2588 2333.