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	news.gov.hk
	From Hong Kong's Information Services Department

March 30, 2007

Development

Kwun Tong town centre set for a makeover

The Urban Renewal Authority will commence the Kwun Tong Town Centre redevelopment project. About 4,500 residents will have the opportunity to improve their living standard through compensation and rehousing.

The authority's District Development Director Joseph Lee today said the huge project would pose a formidable challenge to the organisation in all aspects of urban renewal.

Renovation plans: The Kwun Tong town centre redevelopment site occupies a site area of over 5.3 hectares. People living in caged units in the district will have the opportunity to boost their living standard through compensation and rehousing.

The Kwun Tong town centre, which occupies more than 5.3 hectares, was built in the early 1960s.

Residents' rights fairly protected

"Our greatest concern is to ensure that the residents' and shop operators' rights to compensation and rehousing are fairly looked after and, at the same time, that every effort is made to help them overcome any family or personal problems that may occur," Mr Lee said.

"We also have to ensure that as a town centre providing daily necessities of life, such as transport and clinic services, to the 600,000 people of Kwun Tong, the place will go on functioning throughout the acquisition and redevelopment period. It would be a nightmare for everyone if the town centre were brought to a standstill overnight," he added.

Mr Lee said the authority will submit its planning application to the Town Planning Board in about three weeks.

More than 60 briefing sessions will be organised for residents and shop operators concerned. The authority has also set up a regional office within the project site to meet and talk with the locals.

About 200 staff have been deployed for the three-day freezing survey starting today. People who have questions about the survey can call 2588 2333.