kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Opening remarks by SDEV on quarterly land sale programme for July to September 2023 (with video)
29.6.2023

Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, at a media session today (June 29) on the quarterly land sale programme for July to September 2023: Today I will introduce the Government's Land Sale Programme in the second quarter of this financial year, which is July to September. In the upcoming quarter, two residential sites will be put up by the Government for sale. The first site is in Kai Tak near Sung Wong Toi Station, providing a supply of about 1 325 flats. The second site is located in Tung Chung and is the first residential site to be put up for sale in the Tung Chung New Town Extension, and this site is expected to produce around 415 flats. Together, these two sites could provide a supply of about 1 740 flats. For the aforementioned Kai Tak site, the Government's land sale condition will require the developer to construct around 175 metres of the underground shopping street, which is around 11 per cent of that total Kai Tak underground shopping street by length. The developer will also be required to construct social welfare facilities of around 8 100 square metres, including a neighbourhood elderly centre, hostel and day activity centre for the mentally handicapped. This shows the Government's determination in recent years to expedite provision of social welfare facilities for the community through suitable land sale sites. In addition, 11 private development projects are expected to complete their lease modifications in the second quarter, providing a supply of about 2 310 flats. Taking the above two sources into account, the total private housing land supply in the second quarter would support the development of around 4 050 flats. Together with the supply from the first quarter, the total supply of the first half of this financial year is expected to support some 8 280 flats, reaching around 65 per cent of our annual target for private housing supply (12 900 flats). The total supply so far has not completely reflected private development projects not requiring lease modification from the second quarter, as such figures are normally available only at a later stage. It is also worth mentioning that the Urban Renewal Authority has completed its land exchange for its Wong Tai Sin Nga Tsin Wai Village project last week, expecting to provide around 750 flats. This project has also been counted in the land supply I have just announced for the first half of the year. The remaining sites on the Land Sale Programme are subject to completion of procedural matters such as road works gazettal and land clearance. We will continue to push ahead the preparatory work to get ready these potential sites. We will continue to adopt a multi-pronged approach to increase land supply and sustain our efforts in providing a continuous and steady land supply to the market for development.
Transcript of remarks by SDEV at media session
17.6.2023

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, at a media session after attending a radio programme today (June 17): Reporter: Can you comment on the pay median like you mentioned in Chinese, like when will people know when they are applying, like what the pay rate would be when they are coming to Hong Kong to work? Secretary for Development: Regarding the fields, the different trades which are in shortage and also the median wage level for the shortage trades, we will count on a special committee to be revived under the Construction Industry Council to consider the shortlist and also the list of reference wages. And after they have come up with recommendations, we would like to bring their recommendations to a new committee to be set up by the Development Bureau, and that committee will be also comprising of representatives from both the employer and employee unions, which are very familiar with the construction sector. We will consult them on the shortage trades and also the median wages, and also on this question of whether there should be sub-quotas for the individual trade in shortage within the sector. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Transcript of remarks by SDEV at media session
7.6.2023

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, at a media session after attending the Legislative Council meeting today (June 7): Reporter: Secretary Linn, can the Government pledge that it will build housing on the golf course at the very least? Also, we want to ask will the Government give up on its housing plan due to opposition from the golf club and also some business representatives. If it won't, how will the Government plan to gain their support? Thank you. Secretary for Development: First of all, I have to repeat and repeat again that we have not given up our plan to pursue a public housing project on the northern part of the Fanling Golf Course that 32 hectares to be returned to the Government. The 32 hectares, a large part of it, will be opened up to the public for conservation and passive recreation purpose. That is our intention. And that is why the Leisure and Cultural Services Department is now planning the exact arrangement to be made, come the first of September, when the land is returned. As regard the northern part of that portion, it remains our intention to pursue a public housing development there, but we have to respect the statutory processes. In particular, I am talking about the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process which just last month has given us a conditional approval. The condition is that we have to review the layout and the density of the public housing development to minimise the impact on visual and the landscape in that area, so we are doing what we have to do to respect a statutory system and I hope that the community will accord the same standard in treating our handling of this case and other cases which also have to go through other statutory processes. So if I, as the Secretary for Development, ignore the process and just make pledges without looking into the review that is being done to fulfill the condition, that will be irresponsible on my part I believe. Reporter: Secretary, is it a normal practice to change the land use from "Residential" to "Undetermined"? And also about the Heung Yee Kuk plan, do you think it is a feasible and also a replacement for the Golf Course? Secretary for Development: First of all, in the process of a statutory town planning regime, we are now in that process, we gazetted the Outline Zoning Plan last year and we are now about to proceed with the public hearing. In the process, if there are circumstances warranting a change in our recommendation to the zoning, the government departments will do that professionally, so this is not the first time in which the government department proposes a refinement to the zoning before the proceeding of the public hearing. And secondly, what we are doing is to take forward and respect a condition set in the EIA statutory process. So pending that process, we believe it is only responsible and professional of the relevant government department to propose a practical zoning before their review is completed. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SDEV visits Nanshan District in Shenzhen to inspect development of local districts (with photos)
1.6.2023

The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, today (June 1) visited Nanshan District in Shenzhen to inspect the development and implementation of local districts in the area. Ms Linn visited the Houhai Core District, the Dachong Village Renovation Development, and the Dasha River Ecological Corridor Development in Nanshan District, Shenzhen. During the visit, the representatives from the People's Government of Nanshan District, Shenzhen and the developer shared their experience in developing local districts through district-wide coordinated approach, including the application of innovative ideas to transform old districts into new development areas integrating industries, culture, commercial activities, education and residential functions, as well as to convert polluted river into an ecological corridor. Under this development approach, a single developer would, in accordance with the spatial and industrial planning by the government, undertake various tasks in the development process of the entire district, including clearance and compensation, detailed design, construction, operation of the commercial and residential properties, and management of the newly built community facilities, with a view to enhancing efficiency and coherence of development in the district. Ms Linn said that the development of the Northern Metropolis is one of the priorities of the current-term Government, and the area will integrate quality life, development of industries, and culture and leisure. It is the new engine for Hong Kong to scale new heights. During the development process of the Northern Metropolis, the Government will adopt a development model of high efficiency and quality, taking into account the actual circumstances in Hong Kong and making reference to the experience of developing and transforming old districts in other areas including the Mainland. The Under Secretary for Development, Mr David Lam; and the Director of the Preparatory Office for Northern Metropolis, Mr Vic Yau, also joined the visit. The delegation returned to Hong Kong this afternoon.
Application period for Land Sharing Pilot Scheme extended
4.5.2023

The Development Bureau announced today (May 4) that the application period for the Land Sharing Pilot Scheme (LSPS) will be extended by one year to May 5, 2024, with its existing framework and requirements unchanged. In the light of the fact that some project proponents are in active discussion with the Land Sharing Office (LSO) over prospective proposals, a brief extension of the application period will allow project proponents of prospective proposals to prepare and submit the information required for their applications. Besides, the objective of the LSPS is to allow interested project proponents to share their private land, with a view to increasing public housing supply in the short to medium term. Given that this is intended to be a short-to-medium-term supply measure, project proponents should submit their applications early. The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said, "The Government will spearhead the planning and the land creation work, including providing public housing and supporting facilities through reviewing land uses and resuming private land. Having regard to the time needed in seeing through the land use planning and resumption work, the LSPS was launched three years ago. Private land owners whose land has not been covered in Government's land creation projects but would like to assist the Government in boosting public housing supply in the short and medium term can partake in the scheme. Under the LSPS, the Government will consider providing the necessary supporting infrastructure. If private land owners do not put forth their applications in good time, it will defeat the purpose of the LSPS. In fact, with Government-led efforts in land creation starting to deliver results, there is a lesser role for the LSPS to play down the road." She continued, "Given that it is a brief extension, and the supporting role of the LSPS in Government's overall land creation work, we do not see the need to amend the framework or requirements of the scheme. This is not to say that any changes to the scheme will affect existing and potential applications. We will continue to take forward applications with in-principle endorsement, and appeal to interested project proponents to contact the LSO and submit applications as soon as possible." Since the launch of the LSPS on May 6, 2020, five applications have been received. The three applications with in-principle endorsement so far involve development sites in Yuen Long and Tai Po Districts with a total housing yield of about 21 600 units, including about 15 100 units being public housing. Statutory rezoning procedures for these projects would commence progressively by the end of this year. Details of the proposed development parameters and progress in processing the five received applications are available on the LSPS website: www.devb.gov.hk/en/issues_in_focus/land_sharing_pilot_scheme/land_sharing_pilot_scheme_applications/application_received/index.html .
SDEV visits MiC manufacturing bases in Greater Bay Area (with photos)
24.4.2023

The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, today (April 24) visited Jiangmen and Zhuhai to inspect the operation and development of the Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) manufacturing bases in the area. Ms Linn visited the manufacturing bases of CIMC Modular Building Systems Holdings Co Ltd and China State Construction Hailong Technology Company Limited in Jiangmen and Zhuhai respectively. Both manufacturers have participated in the construction of MiC projects in Hong Kong, including the Multi-welfare Services Complex in Kwu Tung North, the Public Housing Development at Anderson Road and the Student Hostel of City University of Hong Kong at Whitehead. During the visit, the manufacturers demonstrated to Ms Linn the modules adopted in various MiC projects and briefed her on the use of automated production lines in the factory to enhance production quality, accuracy and efficiency, and the adoption of an information management platform to coordinate the processes of procurement, manufacturing, storage and delivery of modules. The manufacturers said that the overall project cost using MiC is lower than that of traditional construction methods, and that the transfer of traditional construction processes to a factory environment is also better than traditional construction methods in terms of productivity, quality management, environmental performance and occupational safety. Ms Linn said that the Government has been actively promoting a wider adoption of MiC in the industry to reduce construction time and address issues such as the ageing of construction workers, high construction costs and site safety. The Development Bureau has established a cross-departmental steering committee to co-ordinate the development of high productivity construction methods such as MiC and streamline related approval procedures to remove barriers for the industry, with an aim to formulate measures to strengthen the supply chain and quality accreditation of MiC modules in this financial year, including the provision of manufacturing and storage sites in the Northern Metropolis, and fostering collaboration with the Greater Bay Area, with a view to expediting housing supply and strengthening the leading position of Hong Kong's construction industry in the adoption of MiC in the region. The Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau; the Under Secretary for Development, Mr David Lam; and the Head of the Project Strategy and Governance Office, Mr John Kwong, also joined the visit. The delegation returned to Hong Kong this evening.
Transcript of remarks by SDEV at media session
24.3.2023

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, at a media session after attending the Pokfulam Farm Grand Opening Ceremony today (March 24): Reporter: Going back to the revitalisation scheme you mentioned earlier in your speech, could you please provide us more details on what steps the bureau is doing or planning to further streamline the procedures? Secretary for Development: Right now we are still doing a review of the mechanism - the operation mechanism, application mechanism and approval mechanism for our revitalisation scheme; and our target is to complete this review within this year. Basically the general direction is to streamline with a view to facilitating worthy applications and expediting the approval process and the eventual construction process. So we will have more details to release when we are ready. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Appointments to Community Involvement Committee on Greening
28.2.2023

The Development Bureau (DEVB) today (February 28) announced that 15 non-official members have been appointed to the Community Involvement Committee on Greening (CICG) for a term of two years from March 1, 2023. The new non-official members are Mr Tony Ip Chung-man, Miss Trazy Kong Lok-yi, Ms Florence Tsui Ho-fun and Mr Wong Chung-leung. The re-appointed non-official members are Dr Johnnie Chan Chi-kau, Ms Chan Man-kuen, Mr Cheng Ka-ho, Mr Cheung Yung-pong, Miss Linda Choy Siu-min, Dr Jeffrey Hung Oi-shing, Ms Una Lau Yuk-min, Dr Caroline Law Man-yee, Dr Angie Ng Ying-sim, Miss Poon Wing-yi and Ms Idy Wong Lai-yin. A spokesman for the DEVB said, "The CICG comprises members from various sectors including community, construction, education, green groups/industry bodies and public relations. The Committee plays the important role of tendering advice on and supporting the promotion of our greening efforts." The spokesman also expressed gratitude to Ms Amy Chan May-ho, Dr Samuel Cheng Kin-tak, Mr Christopher Law Kin-chung, Mr Lo Cheuk-man and Mr Matthew Sin Kar-wah, the five outgoing non-official members for their invaluable advice and contributions to the CICG during their tenure. Appointed by the Secretary for Development, members of the CICG advise the DEVB on measures to encourage quality greening and to nurture a culture of tree care through civic education and community involvement activities. The membership of the new term of the CICG is set out below: Chairman ------------ Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) Non-official members --------------------------- Dr Johnnie Chan Chi-kau Ms Chan Man-kuen Mr Cheng Ka-ho Mr Cheung Yung-pong Miss Linda Choy Siu-min Dr Jeffrey Hung Oi-shing *Mr Tony Ip Chung-man *Miss Trazy Kong Lok-yi Ms Una Lau Yuk-min Dr Caroline Law Man-yee Dr Angie Ng Ying-sim Miss Poon Wing-yi *Ms Florence Tsui Ho-fun *Mr Wong Chung-leung Ms Idy Wong Lai-yin Official Members --------------------- Secretary for Education or representative Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation or representative Director of Civil Engineering and Development or representative Director of Environmental Protection or representative Director of Home Affairs or representative Director of Housing or representative Director of Leisure and Cultural Services or representative Deputy Secretary for Development (Works) 1 Secretary ------------ Head of Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section * New non-official members
"Harmony of Rites and Music: Exploring the Qilu Culture through Shandong Relics" exhibition opens (with photos)
28.5.2024

The exhibition entitled "Harmony of Rites and Music: Exploring the Qilu Culture through Shandong Relics" opened today (May 28). It is advised by the National Cultural Heritage Administration, the Shandong Provincial People's Government and the Development Bureau (DEVB), and jointly presented by the Commissioner for Heritage's Office of the DEVB and the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. The exhibition displays fine artefacts from Shandong and Hong Kong, enabling the public to learn about the unique Qilu culture and the pluralistic integration of Chinese civilisation. The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, and the Standing Committee Member and Secretary-General of the Shandong Provincial Committee, Mr Fan Bo, officiated at the opening ceremony. The Secretary of the Shandong Provincial Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of Shandong Provincial People's Congress, Mr Lin Wu, and the Director-General of Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, Ms Wang Lei, also attended the ceremony. A total of 60 sets (about 200 items) of fine artefacts from Shandong are being displayed for the first time in Hong Kong. Highlight exhibits include the "eggshell black pottery high stem cup with perforations" that represents the pinnacle of Chinese prehistoric pottery craftsmanship; the "white pottery tripod 'he' wine vessel" solely used by nobles in the Neolithic period; the "red pottery 'gui' with bag-shaped legs", a representative object of prehistoric Shandong culture; the ritual bronze yue-axe inscribed with "Ya chou" of Shang dynasty; the stacked bronze tableware from Qi State during the Warring States period; the chime bells inscribed with "You" and the stringed crystal and agate ornaments from the Spring and Autumn period; and a delicate bronze ding inscribed with "Lu Ji" from Western Zhou period. Other exhibits include jade and stoneware, pottery ware, bronze ware and musical instruments, illustrating the development of Qilu culture from the Neolithic period to Ming dynasty. Also on display are significant artefacts unearthed in Hong Kong, including yazhang-tablet, stone yue-axe, stringed stone ornament set, quartz rings, perforated pottery basin with incised wave pattern, white pottery basin with perforated ring-foot and bird-shaped pottery jar with handle. Through the comparison of artefacts of both places, the pluralistic integration of Chinese civilisation is demonstrated. The exhibition is being held at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre, Kowloon Park, Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, until October 6. Admission is free. For details, please visit the website of the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO) of the DEVB ( www.amo.gov.hk/en/news/index_id_150.html?year=2024 ) or call 2208 4488. A short video about the preparation for the exhibition can be viewed at the AMO website.
Approved Kwu Tung South Outline Zoning Plan referred back for amendment
26.4.2024

The Town Planning Board (the Board) announced today (April 26) that the Secretary for Development has referred the approved Kwu Tung South Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) to the Board for amendment to reflect the latest land use proposals. The OZP incorporating the amendments will be exhibited for public inspection under the provisions of the Town Planning Ordinance. The Kwu Tung South OZP was last approved by the Chief Executive in Council in March 2024.