Under-utilised carparks may be converted into homes for the elderly or other community facilities.

Director of Housing Thomas Chan said today the Housing Department is exploring the move, which will involve unpopular and under-used carparks.

He said the conversion of part of the Tin Heng Estate carpark into social services facilities and recreational centres began in June. The department will also convert vacant parking spaces in Tin Shui Wai.

The works, which will be completed by year's-end, will provide an integrated children and youth services centre, civic and recreational centres, and conference and function rooms.

Meanwhile, to stimulate shopping and consumer spending, Mr Chan said the authority has been introducing reforms in its management and letting strategies, and soliciting shops of higher quality, enhancing the popularity and image of shopping centres. It will extend the well-received Parking Coupon Discount Scheme and implement other initiatives, such as reduced parking rates.