Facelift plan: A 930-square-metre site in Wan Chai will be revitalised and preserved in a traditional tea and medicine theme.

A 930-square-metre site in Wan Chai will be revitalised and preserved in a traditional tea and medicine theme, the Housing Society says.

The $100-million Urban Renewal Authority project covers nine tenement blocks on Stone Nullah Lane (known as the Blue House) and Hing Wan Street, built in the 1920s, and on King Sing Street, built in the 50s.

Stabilisation and rehabilitation works will be conducted in the first two areas after statutory planning procedures and property acquisition. However, 8 King Sing Street will be demolished for open space featuring a special cultural atmosphere.

High historic value

The Blue House has high historic value as it was the original site of Wah To Hospital, built in the 1870s. In terms of architectural design, the balcony-type tenement block, and that at 2-8 Hing Wan Street with its European Art-Deco style, have unique characteristics. They are the among the last remaining buildings of their kind in Wan Chai.

Housing Society General Manager Daniel Lau said: "Through collaboration with the Urban Renewal Authority in this revitalisation and preservation project, we intend to retain the special architectural elements of the Blue House and 2-8 Hing Wan Street, and adopt its indigenous features of tea and medicine as the theme of the area. It is hoped that the place could become a tourist destination with an open space for the public and tourists."

The project has been gazetted to start planning today. An application will be submitted to the Town Planning Board shortly.

30 households affected

With the board's consent and Chief Executive-in-Council's approval, acquisition of the two private property interests, and rehousing or compensation for about 30 households living in Government and private buildings within the project site will follow. The estimated cost of acquisition and rehousing is about $20 million.

The Housing Society today started a three-day occupancy survey among the affected households to determine the number of residents and their occupancy status. To ensure those affected are fully informed of the planning acquisition procedures and compensation policies, a briefing session will be held on April 3.

The Housing Society has set up a hotline, 2839 7138, to answer queries from the affected residents. For questions relating to the project's planning, call the Urban Renewal Authority hotline 2588 2333.