kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
SDEV speaks to media on quarterly land sale programme for January to March 2022
30.12.2021

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, at a media session today (December 30) on the quarterly land sale programme for January to March 2022: Reporter: How do the Government arrive at the new size limit? Do you expect that the new policy will make it harder for people to get on the property ladder? Is the Government planning to apply this limit to all development projects in Hong Kong? Secretary for Development: In reaching the figure of 26 square metres, we have first looked at the subsidised housing project on Anderson Road. In that case, the minimum flat size is 23 square metres, so it is basically 10 per cent above that. Given the position of private housing on the home ownership ladder, which is the next rung up, we do believe it is appropriate for us to set a slightly bigger minimum size. The other factor we have considered is that according to the figures provided by the Rating and Valuation Department, for the past 5 years, if we look at the proportion of private housing unit supply, those that is smaller than 26 square metres in salable area is about 13 per cent. So about one-eighth of the private housing supply will be impacted by our new measure. We think is about the right balance, so that is why we choose the figure of 26 square metres in salable area as the minimum size. With regard to the coverage, it applies to Government land sale projects. If it works, we believe this requirement will continue in the 2022-23 land sale programme. We also believe that the MTR Corporation Limited is likely to also follow the Government's practice. With regard to Urban Renewal Authority's projects, they have already adopted a higher minimum size which we do not think we should intervene. As for existing housing stocks, the existing size is their existing size. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Opening remarks by SDEV on land sale programme for January to March 2022
30.12.2021

Following is the transcript of the opening remarks by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, at a media session today (December 30) on the land sale programme for January to March 2022: In the fourth quarter of financial year 2021-22, the Government will sell by tender a residential site in Tuen Mun, providing a supply of about 2 020 flats. The Government will impose a minimum flat size restriction on this site so that the saleable area of each flat has to reach at least 26 square metres, which is around 280 square feet. Apart from Government land sale, the MTR Corporation Limited plans to sell by tender a development project at Pak Shing Kok Ventilation Building, which will produce about 550 units. I understand that the MTR Corporation Limited will also adopt the same minimum flat size requirement of 26 sq m of saleable area. The Urban Renewal Authority plans to put up for tender two development projects in To Kwa Wan, capable of providing about 890 flats in total. In addition, five private development and redevelopment projects are expected to complete their lease modifications in the fourth quarter. They will together provide a supply of about 2 220 flats. Taking all sources of private housing land supply into account, the total private housing land supply in the fourth quarter would be able to provide about 5 680 flats. Together with the supply of around 14 400 flats from the first three quarters, the total private housing land supply of the financial year reaches some 20 080 flats, exceeding our private housing supply annual target by about 55 per cent. As regards commercial land, the Government plans to put up for sale again a commercial site in Tung Chung Area 57. The site is capable of providing around 120 000 sq m of gross floor area. Looking ahead, the Government will continue to increase land supply through a multi-pronged approach to meet the housing, economic and social development needs of our community. Thank you very much.
SDEV officiates at completion ceremony of Tung Chung East Promenade first phase improvement works and opening of Tung Chung Community Liaison Centre (with photos)
12.11.2021

The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, officiated at the completion ceremony of the Tung Chung East Promenade first phase improvement works and opening of the Tung Chung Community Liaison Centre (CLC) this afternoon (November 12). Mr Wong said that the Tung Chung East Promenade improvement works set out to provide the community with a new pedestrian-friendly waterfront promenade with greening space and a cycle track, bringing about enhancement to the waterfront and strengthening connectivity. The whole section of the promenade, about 400 metres in length, is expected to be completed in phases and open to the public progressively by the end of next year. The CLC, which officially opened today, is located next to the first phase improvement of the Tung Chung East Promenade section. It was constructed through renovation and modification of an unused site office and its architectural design echoes that of the adjoining waterfront promenade. The CLC consists of a thematic exhibition zone, a Cave Automatic Virtual Environment system and various interactive exhibits and models to enhance the public's understanding of the development projects and conservation efforts of the Sustainable Lantau Office under the Civil Engineering and Development Department, as well as the nature, culture and history of Lantau. Mr Wong expressed the hope that the CLC would provide an additional channel to connect with the local community, with a view to promoting sustainable development of Lantau together. In addition to public visits through online reservation, some areas of the CLC will also be open for non-governmental organisations and schools to hold activities by reservation, so as to share the space for public enjoyment. For details of the CLC, please visit www.lantau.gov.hk/en/community-liaison-centre/index.html .
Building Safety Symposium 2021 successfully held (with photos)
22.10.2021

The seventh Building Safety Symposium organised by the Buildings Department was successfully held today (October 22). The theme of this year's symposium is "Shaping a smart and livable built environment". Building professionals, members of the building management sector, government officials and academics were invited to exchange views on related issues. Addressing the symposium's opening ceremony, the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, said that the Government and the construction industry have been proactively combating challenges faced by the industry with new technology and innovative thinking to enhance productivity, cost-effectiveness, and construction and building safety. The Government and the industry will continue to join hands to make good use of advanced technology in various aspects of construction, including design, construction procedures and materials, quality control for works, building management and so on, and build a safe, healthy and sustainable city together. Mr Wong expressed the hope that through the symposium, the Government and the industry could share and exchange their experiences on building safety and innovative construction methods, and raise the level of the construction industry. The Director of Buildings, Mr Yu Tak-cheung, in his welcome speech, said that the Building Safety Symposium 2021 provided a good opportunity for the industry to add value and exchange ideas. The experience shared by the speakers on innovative and digital technologies applicable to the construction industry would lead to further reflection and discussion of relevant issues among participants. He stated that introducing smart technologies into various construction aspects can help shape a new era of the industry as well as a sustainable and livable built environment, bringing new opportunities for the local construction industry. âIn the symposium, a number of local experts were invited to speak on the following topics: Smart Solutions in Geotechnical Practice; Safety Design and Construction in Terminal 2 Expansion, Hong Kong International Airport; Use of New Technologies for Signboard Control System; Logistic and Quality Control of Modular Integrated Construction for Projects of the University of Hong Kong; and Implementation of Product Certification System (Fire Doors and Non-loadbearing Fire Partitions). âIn addition to the speeches mentioned above, the symposium also featured two panel discussion sessions. The Building Safety Symposium 2021 was the finale of the four-day Building Safety Week 2021. Over the past few days, a series of public webinars were staged to help members of the public better understand building safety messages and foster a building care culture.
SDEV speaks to media on quarterly land sale programme for October to December 2021
29.9.2021

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, at a media session today (September 29) on the quarterly land sale programme for October to December 2021: Reporter: You said you can't comment on reports about the Government's plan on, for example, ancestral land in the New Territories. But is the Government considering more ways to get back the land in the New Territories apart from just using the Lands Resumption Ordinance? And secondly, how would you assess the impact of the ongoing Evergrande debt crisis on land sale in Hong Kong? Do you think it will affect property developers' willingness to buy land? Secretary for Development: On your second question, I think the Financial Secretary has said a few days back we do not believe that the situation you just referred to would cause any systemic risk in Hong Kong. Our financial system remains intact. Therefore, I also think that it will not impact adversely in any material manner on our property market. That's our very preliminary view. On resumption of land, again I will start by giving you some figures. A few years ago, on average, we resumed about 4 hectares of land from the market every year. For the past two years, we resumed about 45 hectares of land from the market every year. Going forward, we estimate that we will resume about 100 hectares of land on average annually from the market. So, you can see that the scope and the speed with which we are resuming land from the market has increased tremendously. So, that is the factual situation and that is a tool that we would not hesitate to use if we can be sure that the underlying public purpose exists with regard to a particular project. Apart from that, with regard to rumours and speculation relating to the Policy Address, as I have said time and again today, I would not be able to comment further. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Opening remarks by SDEV on land sale programme for October to December 2021
29.9.2021

Following is the transcript of the opening remarks by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, at a media session today (September 29) on the land sale programme for October to December 2021: In the third quarter of the financial year 2021-22, the Government will sell by tender two residential sites, one in Tai Po and one in Repulse Bay. Together, they will provide a supply of about 210 flats. The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) plans to sell by tender a development project at Hung Fook Street/Ngan Hon Street, To Kwa Wan, capable of providing about 750 flats. With regard to private development and redevelopment projects, 12 projects are expected to complete their lease modification processes in the third quarter. They will together provide a supply of about 6 150 flats. Taking all sources of private housing land supply into account, the total private housing land supply in the third quarter would be able to provide about 7 110 flats, which is a new high quarterly figure in recent years. Together with the supply of 7 320 flats in the first half of this financial year, the total private housing land supply, up to the third quarter, amounts to some 14 430 flats, exceeding our private housing supply annual target, which is 12 900 flats, by more than 10 per cent. Despite having reached the supply target already, to ensure a steady land supply, we will continue to provide additional supply in the fourth quarter, i.e. January to March 2022, through Government land sale, and MTR and URA projects. We estimate that the total private housing land supply for the financial year 2021-2022 could exceed 17 000 flats. Apart from residential sites, the Government plans to put up for tender an industrial site in Fanling in the third quarter as well. The site is capable of providing around 8 200 square meters of gross floor area. As regards commercial sites, we do not intend to put up any new site for tender in the third quarter. The Government will continue to monitor the market situation and put up commercial sites for sale when appropriate. Looking ahead, the Government will continue to increase land supply through a multi-pronged approach to meet the housing, economic and social development needs of our community. âThank you.
Construction Safety Week 2021 promotes safe and smart sites (with photos)
2.8.2021

Construction Safety Week (CSW) 2021, jointly organised by the Development Bureau and the Construction Industry Council (CIC), is being held from today (August 2) to August 6. Under the main theme "Safety x Smart Site", a series of events will be held including the Construction Safety Week Conference, visits to construction sites with exemplary safety performance and the award presentation ceremony of the 27th Considerate Contractors Site Award Scheme. Speaking at the kick-off ceremony, the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, said that innovation and technology is an important driving force for the development of the construction industry, and the Government has been actively promoting its application. He appealed to the industry to fully utilise the benefits of innovation and technology to raise construction safety, with a view to creating a safer and more healthy working environment. The Chairman of the CIC, Mr Chan Ka-kui, pointed out that the industrialisation of the construction industry would change the culture of the industry, reduce on-site construction processes and help overcome the challenges of construction safety. The theme of this year's CSW, "Safety x Smart Site", is in line with the developments of the industrialisation of the industry, allowing industry members to share their experience. The Construction Safety Week Conference was held right after the kick-off ceremony. Local experts spoke with the audience about emerging technologies, the application of smart safety devices, and good practice regarding site safety improvement. A mini-exhibition on smart safety devices was also held at the venue. The conference attracted over 2 500 practitioners locally and outside Hong Kong to participate at the venue and via web broadcasting. Launched in 2012, CSW aims to promote a zero-accident site environment and a caring environment in the construction industry. The campaign has received support from various sectors of the community including professional groups, organisations, trade associations and labour unions. Details of this year's CSW are available at www.safetyweek.hk .
Geospatial Lab officially opens (with photos)
30.7.2021

The Geospatial Lab (GeoLab) officially opened today (July 30). The opening ceremony was officiated by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Wong said the establishment of the GeoLab is one of the major initiatives of the Common Spatial Data Infrastructure. The lab has "Geospatial" as its theme and is equipped with advanced technology and training facilities. Through the integration of education, experience and practice, it will help raise public interest in spatial data, and explore together with the community the value and application of spatial data in support of smart city development. The GeoLab is located at Millennium City I in Kwun Tong and has an area of 3 000 square feet. The Tung Wah Group of Hospitals has been selected as the operator through an open tender. The GeoLab will provide fitted-out working space and coaching services to support experimental projects using spatial data and conduct activities such as competitions, workshops and talks. Complementing the Government's emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, the GeoLab will regularly hold talks and practical classes for schools to help students master geospatial technology and knowledge, and to enhance their understanding of how to apply spatial data for innovative applications. The GeoLab is open from 9.30am to 1pm and from 2.15pm to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday (except public holidays). For more information, please visit its website ( www.csdigeolab.gov.hk ) or call 3708 7260.
Opening remarks by SDEV on land sale programme for July to September 2021
29.6.2021

Following is the transcript of the opening remarks by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, at a media session today (June 29) on the land sale programme for July to September 2021: In the second quarter of the financial year 2021-22, the Government will sell by tender two residential sites in Kowloon Tong and Yuen Long. Together, they will provide a supply of about 200 flats. The MTR Corporation Limited plans to sell by tender the property development project of Tung Chung Traction Substation, which will provide about 1 600 flats. The Urban Renewal Authority plans to sell by tender a development project at Bailey Street/Wing Kwong Street, To Kwa Wan, capable of providing about 1 150 flats. In addition, four private development and redevelopment projects are expected to complete their lease modification processes in the second quarter. They will together provide a supply of about 2 450 flats. Taking all sources into account, the total private housing land supply in the second quarter would be able to provide about 5 400 flats, which is a relatively high quarterly figure in recent years. Together with the supply of 1 650 flats in the first quarter, the total private housing land supply in the first half of this financial year would amount to about 7 050 flats, representing over 50 per cent of our private housing supply annual target. As regards commercial land, the Government has recently put up for sale two large-scale commercial sites. These two sites would together provide about 250 000 square meters of commercial GFA (gross floor area). We do not intend to put up new commercial site for tender in the second quarter. The Government will continue to monitor the market situation and put up commercial sites for sale when appropriate. Looking ahead, the Government will continue to increase land supply through a multi-pronged approach to meet the housing, economic and social development needs of our community. Thank you.
Road closure for MTR Mei Foo Station improvement works
4.6.2021

The Government will close and alter a portion of Lai Chi Kok Road near Exit A of MTR Mei Foo Station to facilitate the improvement works at the station. Relevant notices were gazetted today (June 4). Part of the carriageway and footpath of the above-mentioned portion will be permanently closed and altered from July 12 for the construction of an external lift outside the station. Moreover, to facilitate the works, another part of the carriageway and footpath of the portion will be temporarily closed and altered for a period of about 48 months from the same day. During the construction period, the Government will implement a temporary traffic management scheme and pedestrian diversion measures, as well as maintain a footpath with a minimum width of about 1.5 metres. Members of the public can view the plan showing the affected areas at the Sham Shui Po Home Affairs Enquiry Centre, G/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Sham Shui Po, and at the District Lands Office (Kowloon West), 4/F, South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei. The Secretary for Development has, by order under section 10(1)(a) and section 10(1)(b) of the Mass Transit Railway (Land Resumption and Related Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 276), authorised the closure and alteration of roads for the purposes of construction, operation, maintenance or improvement of the MTR. Any person entitled to compensation under the Ordinance who wishes to make a claim for compensation should write to the Director of Lands, 20/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point.
SDEV and STH brief the trade on improvements to electoral system of Hong Kong (with photos/videos)
7.4.2021

The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, and the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan, today (April 7) hosted a total of six briefing sessions to brief and exchange views with the construction and transport sectors as well as members of related professional institutions on the amended Annex I to the Basic Law on Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Annex II to the Basic Law on Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and its Voting Procedures passed by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. Participants included representatives from the construction sector, the engineering sector, the surveying and town planning sector, the architectural and landscape profession, the real estate sector and the transport sector. At the meeting, Mr Wong and Mr Chan spoke on the background, objectives and the amendment details of the improvements to the electoral system, and exchanged views with participants. The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, also attended the meetings with the engineering sector and the real estate sector, during which she addressed the questions raised by the participants. Mr Wong reiterated the importance, necessity and urgency of improving the electoral system, thereby establishing a political structure that upholds the "one country, two systems" principle, reflects the actual situation of Hong Kong and ensures "patriots administering Hong Kong". In so doing, the excessive politicisation and internal rifts that have torn the society apart can be effectively mitigated, restoring order from chaos and enhancing the governance capability of the HKSAR. The HKSAR will then be able to focus on enhancing economic development and improving people's livelihood, including addressing the housing and land supply matters, and ensuring the long-term prosperity and stability of the city. Mr Chan also said that by improving the electoral system and ensuring the comprehensive implementation of "patriots administering Hong Kong", the constitutional order established by the Constitution and the Basic Law, and the fundamental political ethics of "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" can be effectively safeguarded, various deep-seated problems can be effectively resolved, thereby ending political strife and social rifts. Hong Kong would then be able to focus on people's livelihood, economy and development, and to ensure the continued success of the "one country, two systems" and the long-term stability of the city by leveraging its unique advantages and the staunch support of the Central Authorities. Mr Wong and Mr Chan will continue to meet with members of the trade and brief them on the relevant amendments, enabling stakeholders to have a better understanding of the matter and render their support to related work of the Government.