Concrete Analysis | How Hong Kong’s revitalisation schemes can give a new lease of life to old industrial buildings

Following the Second World War, Hong Kong was transformed from an entrepot to an export-oriented industrial economy and was the world’s leader in terms of its export volume. While the industrial sector flourished in the 1970s, it has since repositioned itself as a financial hub.

The economic context of Hong Kong had created a large stock of 1,500 industrial buildings, according to government data. To conserve these building resources and reduce construction waste, conversion of under-utilised blocks is encouraged.

Revitalisation policies have facilitated landmark heritage conservation projects, such as The Mills in Tsuen Wan. Though the current stock within the territory may not possess the same level of significance, there is potential to repurpose these buildings to meet current market demand.

Under the first Revitalisation Scheme from 2010 to 2016, the government allowed owners to apply, without waiver fee, for conversion of such buildings above 15 years of age, over their remaining life or lease period, whichever is earlier. Some 226 cases were received and 160 implemented as of June 2022, according to the Lands Department.

These Special Waivers remain valid as long as the existing building is retained and the implementation of relevant conversion works has been completed within a prescribed period.

To revive this measure under the scheme, sites which are subject to Special Waivers should be reviewed. There could be changes in planning circumstances agreed by the Town Planning Board, such as a change in the planning policy or land-use zoning.