URBAN RENEWAL IN HONG KONG - THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION EXPERIENCE

Abstract

As Hong Kong becomes more developed as a financial and tourist centre in the world, the need for urban renewal becomes more important. Planning for the Colony was neglected in the past and it resulted in haphazard developments, dilapidated and structurally unsafe buildings. Urban renewal is required to improve the living conditions in Hong Kong and at the same time optimise the usage of land, as Hong Kong has a severe land shortage problem due to its increasing population and hilly terrain. Early renewal projects were done by the private developers and they did not contribute significantly to the betterment of the living environment in Hong Kong. Thus, the Government had to look into comprehensive renewal for the entire Territory. The Governor in Council commissioned the Town Planning Office to conduct a study with regards to the feasibility of setting up a renewal agency in 1983. Based on the recommendations, The Land Development Corporation(LDC) was set up in December 1987 by the Colony's Government to take charge of the urban redevelopment in the Territory. LDC is governed by the Land Development Corporation Ordinance. LDC was different from renewal agencies in other countries as it is to function as a business concern and all redevelopment projects undertaken had to be self funded by the Corporation. This study looks into the early renewal efforts in Hong Kong, operation of LDC and the problems that LDC faces as both a business concern and a renewal authority. An attempt will also be made to evaluate the performance of LDC and its attempt to balance its dual role as a renewal agency and a business concern.