Estate facelift: The Ping Shek Estate revitalisation project will start early next year for completion by 2013.

The Housing Authority has endorsed the Ping Shek Estate revitalisation project which will start early next year at the earliest, for completion by 2013.

With an estimated budget of $135 million, the scheme emphasises functional improvement of estate facilities, taking into account tenants' activity patterns.

The scheme design features a new main entrance linked with barrier-free access to improve connectivity, a covered stage at the central event plaza for holding festive and community functions, recreational facilities for aged tenants, and a retrofitted green roof for the market.

The market, shops, lift lobbies of domestic blocks and the external facades will be renovated, while corridors in the common areas will be progressively equipped with energy-efficient lighting systems.

To suit elderly or disabled tenants' special needs, the department will also install grab rails, ramps and replace laundry racks inside the domestic flats.

Other established and separately budgeted improvement works, such as structural repairs and new lift towers for the lower blocks, will start within the year. Some vacant shops will be converted into multi-purpose activity centres.