kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Tai Kwun - Centre for Heritage and Arts wins Award of Excellence of UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation (with photo)
14.10.2019

Tai Kwun - Centre for Heritage and Arts has won the Award of Excellence of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. It is another built heritage conservation project in Hong Kong receiving this top honour, after the Blue House Cluster under the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme of the Development Bureau in 2017. The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, said today (October 14), "The Central Police Station Compound revitalisation project is a partnership between the Government and the Hong Kong Jockey Club. The project has spanned over 12 years from conception to completion. Through concerted efforts, this much cherished heritage site has been turned into an iconic cultural destination, where heritage, contemporary art and leisure elements are creatively integrated for all to enjoy. The success of Tai Kwun is attributed to the commitment of the Hong Kong community to heritage conservation and revitalisation of our precious historic buildings." This year marks the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The 2019 Awards Ceremony and the Asia-Pacific Heritage 20/20 Forum was held in Penang, Malaysia. In receiving the award at the forum, the Executive Director of Charities and Community of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Cheung Leong, shared Tai Kwun's revitalisation experience. The Commissioner for Heritage of the Development Bureau, Mr Jos&eacute; Yam, also joined the forum as a speaker to introduce the heritage conservation and revitalisation works of the Government. On behalf of the Government, he thanked the Hong Kong Jockey Club for its dedication and commitment to the Tai Kwun project. Moreover, the Mills, a landmark revitalisation project by private initiative, has also won the Award of New Design in Heritage Contexts. The project has seamlessly woven the theme of textile and industry into the experience of innovation, art and culture. Launched in 2000, the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation aims to recognise and encourage conservation and restoration projects under private initiatives and public-private partnerships within the Asia-Pacific region. The jury selected Tai Kwun &ndash; Centre for Heritage and Arts as the winner of the Award of Excellence from 57 submissions.
SDEV speaks to media on quarterly land sale programme for October to December 2019 
26.9.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, at the question-and-answer session of the media session today (September 26) on the quarterly land sale programme for October to December 2019: Reporter: Mr Wong, why did you say that the land donation by the developer would not affect the Government's land creation policy, in particular on land resumption? That's my first question. The second question is, you talked about the Kai Tak site that failed to attract the bid. Do you think the ongoing protest is going to prolong or increase the risk, especially the risk assessed by developers, perhaps deterring them from actually submitting attractive bids to the Government? Secretary for Development: Maybe your second question first. I think it will be unfair to attribute everything to just one single factor. Of course, what has been happening recently has an impact on the overall economy. It might have an impact on how individual developers assess the market situation. But then, if you look at the details, just this August, also at Kai Tak, as I mentioned in the opening remarks, a site also for commercial and hotel use was successfully tendered. So, I think it will be too simplistic to attribute everything to just one factor. From the Government's point of view, I think we will steadily and continuously put out land for tender to meet the society's social and economic demands. Your first question. It will not have a major impact. It is a question of proportion. Given the scale and size of land that we will need to come up with in the future, I don't think that any charitable donation by individual developers would actually take up a huge percentage of that demand. Of course, when we look at charitable act of individual developers, if they are prepared to donate land, or rent out land on a long-term basis, on a non-market basis, to NGOs (non-governmental organisations), for various charitable purposes including transitional housing, we will say it's a good thing. Reporter: Would the donation affect the land resumption policy? Secretary for Development: I don't think there will be any major impact. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Opening remarks by SDEV on land sale programme for October to December 2019
26.9.2019

Following is the transcript of the opening remarks by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, at a media session today (September 26) on the land sale programme for October to December 2019: In the third quarter of 2019-20, the Government will sell by tender two residential sites. They are located in Tai Hang and Tuen Mun, capable of providing around 980 flats in total. The MTR Corporation Limited also plans to tender Package 12 of the LOHAS Park project, which is expected to provide about 2 000 flats. Including the supply from private development and redevelopment projects, the private housing land supply in the third quarter is estimated to produce about 3 080 flats in total. If we look at the first three quarters of 2019-20 together, the total private housing land supply from all sources is about 9 230 flats. For commercial sites, the Government sold a commercial and hotel site adjoining the Kai Tak Sports Park in the first half of 2019-20, and is currently tendering the topside of Hong Kong West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link. These two sites together are capable of providing about 326 000 square metres of commercial floor space. While no new commercial site has been included in the sale programme for Q3, the Government will continue to closely monitor the market situation, and put up commercial sites for sale when appropriate to cater for the market demand. Looking ahead, the Government will continue to increase land supply through a multi-pronged approach, and maintain a sustained and steady land supply to meet the community's needs for housing, economic and social development.
SDEV speaks to media on quarterly land sale programme for July to September 2019
28.6.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, at the question-and-answer session of the media session today (June 28) on the quarterly land sale programme for July to September 2019: Reporter: Mr Wong, are you concerned that the recent unstable social and political environment may affect the government's land sale, like maybe more cancel of sale like the one in Kai Tak? And, how confident are you that you can meet the supply target for the whole year? Secretary for Development: If you look at the site (in Kai Tak of which the tender awarded) this week, the land price is around $18,000 per square foot. Some commentators said it is different from the land price of a previous site we sold a month's back, that stood at some $19,000 per square foot. But if you take a longer-term view, and you look at a piece of land, also in the same adjacent area, it actually fetched a price of $17,000 per square foot. So our observation is that property prices, especially for residential housing, have stayed quite stable in 2019. So it is not our assessment that the coming residential market will be unduly affected by the social sentiment recently. Reporter: Are you confident that you can meet the supply target for the whole year? Secretary for Development: A key element in our supply package is the amount of units to be delivered through private redevelopment. We have always explained that it is an element over which the government does not have that much control. If you look at the figures of this financial year, for the first two quarters, some 1,170 flats have come from this source. That is actually better than the figure of the (first half of the) last financial year, which stood at close to 1,100 flats. If this trend can continue in the third and fourth quarter of this financial year, we are confident that we will be able to meet the target. But of course, there always remains some degree of uncertainties. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Opening remarks by SDEV on land sale programme for July to September 2019
28.6.2019

Following is the transcript of the opening remarks by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, at a media session today (June 28) on the land sale programme for July to September 2019: In the second quarter of 2019-20, the Government will sell by tender two residential sites. The sites are located in Kai Tak and Tuen Mun, capable of providing around 1 350 flats in total. The MTR Corporation Limited also plans to tender Package 4 of the Wong Chuk Hang Station project, which will produce about 800 flats. Including the supply from private development and redevelopment projects, the private housing land supply in the second quarter is estimated to produce about 2 480 flats in total. Together with the residential land supply in the first quarter, the total private housing land supply in the first half of 2019-20 from all sources will stand at about 5 420 flats. In the second quarter, the Government will put up for sale one commercial site atop the Hong Kong West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, capable of providing about 294 000 square meters of gross floor area, making it the largest commercial site to be sold in recent years. We tendered the commercial site Area 4C Site 4 in Kai Tak in the first quarter. The sale was eventually cancelled with the successful tenderer failing to pay the balance of the land premium by the payment deadline. We will re-tender this site in the second quarter. Including the West Kowloon site, these two commercial sites are capable of providing about 374 200 square meters of gross floor area. Looking ahead, the Government will continue to increase land supply through a multi-pronged approach to meet the community's demands for housing, economic and social development land. Thank you very much.
Transcript of remarks by SDEV
25.6.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, at a media session after attending the meeting of the Legislative Council Panel on Development today (June 25): Reporter: Secretary, you said more time is needed. Why do you guys need more time? And, are you concerned that this might affect the land and flats supply? Talking about Lantau Tomorrow Vision, do you still wish the LegCo to pass the Lantau Tomorrow Vision before the summer break? Secretary for Development: For the Land Sharing Pilot Scheme, we are looking at many details. With development's reasons, more time may be needed. So our original schedule of looking at a submission to the Chief Executive in June or July, it might have to be adjusted. We are still looking at the details. So give us a bit more time. We will make an announcement when we are ready. On the study relating to the reclamation of Kau Yi Chau, at the moment it is at the end of the queue in front of the Finance Committee. This is something natural, because there are some 20 projects ahead of this item (including those) that have been discussed by the Public Works Subcommittee. We understand that it may mean that the Legislative Council (LegCo) would not be able to finish the scrutiny for this item before summer. If this is the case, we will accept it. If there is a chance to discuss it before summer, we are also happy to see it. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SDEV visits Tai Po District (with photos)
24.6.2019

The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, visited Tai Po District this afternoon (June 24) and met with local District Council members to exchange views on district matters. He also visited the Green Hub revitalisation project. Accompanied by the Chairman of the Tai Po District Council (TPDC), Ms Wong Pik-kiu, and the District Officer (Tai Po), Ms Eunice Chan, Mr Wong first visited the Green Hub to learn about the operation of this revitalised Grade I historic building. Located at the old Tai Po Police Station, the Green Hub is one of the projects under Batch II of the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme. The old police station was conserved and revitalised by the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden Corporation to become the Green Hub to promote conservation and sustainable living. It has been open to the public since August 2015. During his visit, Mr Wong was briefed by representatives of the Green Hub on its daily operation, including the various courses and workshops provided for promoting sustainable and low-carbon living such as low-carbon diet workshops, handicrafts workshops and summer night eco-walks. He also visited the co-op shop and the canteen inside the Green Hub which runs on the principle that food should be healthy, community-friendly and environmentally friendly to learn more about their operation. Before concluding his visit, Mr Wong met with TPDC members to gain a better understanding of the latest developments and needs of the district, and listen to members' views and suggestions on the work of the Government.
Appointment to Board of Urban Renewal Fund
18.6.2019

The Development Bureau announced today (June 18) the re-appointment of Mr Wai Chi-sing as Director of the Board of the Urban Renewal Fund (URF) on an ad personam basis for another term of three years with effect from June 15, 2019. The URF, incorporated as a company limited by guarantee on August 15, 2011, was set up pursuant to section 6(2)(s) of the Urban Renewal Authority Ordinance to act as the trustee and settlor of the Trust Fund. The Trust Fund, with an endowment of $500 million from the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), provides an independent funding source to support the operation of the social service teams that render assistance to the affected owners and tenants of the urban redevelopment projects implemented by the URA. The Trust Fund also supports planning and related studies by District Urban Renewal Forum as well as initiatives related to heritage preservation and district revitalisation proposed by non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders in the overall context of urban renewal. Pursuant to the Articles of Association of the URF, the directors of the Board of the URF shall be nominated by the Secretary for Development and appointed by the URF. The establishment of the Trust Fund was one of the major initiatives under the Urban Renewal Strategy promulgated by the Government in February 2011.
SDEV visits Wan Chai District (with photos)
31.5.2019

The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, visited Wan Chai District today (May 31) and met with local District Council members to exchange views on district matters. He also visited a music academy in the revitalised Haw Par Mansion. Accompanied by the Vice-chairman of the Wan Chai District Council (WCDC), Dr Jennifer Chow, and the District Officer (Wan Chai), Mr Rick Chan, Mr Wong first visited Haw Par Music Farm. Located at Haw Par Mansion, the music academy is one of the projects under Batch III of the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme. The old mansion has been revitalised into Haw Par Music Farm by the Aw Boon Haw Foundation for providing Chinese and Western music training and community outreach activities to promote music culture. During his visit, Mr Wong was briefed by a representative of the academy on details of the restoration and revitalisation of this Grade I historic building, including retaining as far as possible the interior layout of the mansion. The external walls, doors, windows and interior decorations have been restored to the former 1930s look, while the original furnishings of the mansion and the former owners' private collection are conserved and displayed. The Development Bureau launched the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme in 2008. Through collaboration with non-profit-making organisations, historic buildings are preserved, revitalised and put into good use. So far, five batches of projects have been rolled out, involving a total of 19 projects. Haw Par Music Farm was soft launched at the end of last year and has been open with free guided tours to the public since April this year. Before concluding his visit, Mr Wong met with WCDC members to gain a better understanding of the latest developments and needs of the district, and listen to members' views and suggestions on the work of the Government.
SDEV visits Wan Chai District (with photos)
31.5.2019

The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, visited Wan Chai District today (May 31) and met with local District Council members to exchange views on district matters. He also visited a music academy in the revitalised Haw Par Mansion. Accompanied by the Chairman of the Wan Chai District Council (WCDC), Mr Stephen Ng, and the District Officer (Wan Chai), Mr Rick Chan, Mr Wong first visited Haw Par Music Farm. Located at Haw Par Mansion, the music academy is one of the projects under Batch III of the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme. The old mansion has been revitalised into Haw Par Music Farm by the Aw Boon Haw Foundation for providing Chinese and Western music training and community outreach activities to promote music culture. During his visit, Mr Wong was briefed by a representative of the academy on details of the restoration and revitalisation of this Grade I historic building, including retaining as far as possible the interior layout of the mansion. The external walls, doors, windows and interior decorations have been restored to the former 1930s look, while the original furnishings of the mansion and the former owners' private collection are conserved and displayed. The Development Bureau launched the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme in 2008. Through collaboration with non-profit-making organisations, historic buildings are preserved, revitalised and put into good use. So far, five batches of projects have been rolled out, involving a total of 19 projects. Haw Par Music Farm was soft launched at the end of last year and has been open with free guided tours to the public since April this year. Before concluding his visit, Mr Wong met with WCDC members to gain a better understanding of the latest developments and needs of the district, and listen to members' views and suggestions on the work of the Government.
Construction Safety Week 2019 promotes innovation in safety (with photos)
20.5.2019

âConstruction Safety Week (CSW) 2019, jointly organised by the Development Bureau and the Construction Industry Council (CIC), is being held from today (May 20) to May 27. Under the main theme "Innovation in Safety", a series of events will be held, including the Construction Safety Week Conference, BIM Talks x Safety, visits to construction sites with exemplary safety performance, and the award presentation ceremony of the 25th Considerate Contractors Site Award Scheme. Speaking at the launch ceremony, the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, said that the Government has been actively promoting application of innovation and technology, and expressed the hope that industry stakeholders would adopt the same to raise efficiency and enhance the safety of construction sites. He also appealed to the industry for its effort on creating a safe and healthy working environment. âThe Chairman of the CIC, Mr Chan Ka-kui, said that the CIC has been encouraging the construction industry to apply innovative technology and to reduce the processes done on-site so as to enhance construction site safety and reduce accidents. The Construction Safety Week Conference was held after the launch ceremony today. Local and overseas experts were invited to discuss the emerging technologies and good practices regarding site safety improvement. The conference today attracted over 800 practitioners. 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 CSW are available at www.safetyweek.hk .
LCQ7: Land supply options recommended by the Task Force on Land Supply
15.5.2019

Following is a question by the Hon Abraham Shek, and a written reply by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, in the Legislative Council today (May 15): Question: The Government has fully accepted the eight land supply options that should be accorded priority studies and implementation as recommended by the Task Force on Land Supply. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council of the specific implementation plan (including the timetable) in respect of each of those eight recommended land supply options? Reply: President, The Government announced its full acceptance of the recommendations tendered by the Task Force on Land Supply (TFLS) on land supply strategy and eight land supply options worthy of priority studies and implementation in a detailed response on February 20, 2019. As stated in the paper submitted to the Legislative Council (DEVB(PL-CR) 13/2006) on even date, the Government will implement a number of specific measures to take forward the eight land supply options recommended by TFLS. Details of the latest implementation plan and timetable are set out at the Annex.
SDEV continues visit to Beijing (with photos)
7.5.2019

The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, today (May 7) continued his visit to Beijing and met with officials of the Ministry of Commerce and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council. In the morning, Mr Wong met with the Deputy Director General of the Department of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs of the Ministry of Commerce, Mr Liu Huabo. They exchanged views on various issues including matters relating to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Belt and Road Initiative and Hong Kong's engagement in the Mainland's foreign aid construction projects. Later, he met with the Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Huang Liuquan. He thanked the Office for its support in fostering mutual recognition of professional qualifications under the CEPA framework. They also exchanged views on various issues, including the opportunities brought about by the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative. Accompanying Mr Wong on the visit were the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Lam Sai-hung, and the Deputy Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Francis Chau. Mr Wong and the accompanying officials will return to Hong Kong tonight.