Hong Kong group gets green light to build 1,020 transitional homes for low-income families, in bid to fix city’s housing crisis
- New Territories Association of Societies (Community Services) Foundation given approval, HK$576 million funding for Yuen Long project totalling 17 hectares
- Units can accommodate 2,750 people, with first batch expected to be completed in mid-2023 and second phase a year later
A community group in Hong Kong has obtained government funding to build 1,020 transitional homes for low-income families in Yuen Long, in response to Beijing’s demand that the city resolve its housing crisis by 2049.
The New Territories Association of Societies (Community Services) Foundation was given approval and funding of HK$576 million (US$74 million) by the Transport and Housing Bureau for its project in Kam Tin.
The group is leasing two lots close to Kam Sheung Road MTR station that totalled 17 hectares (42 acres) from the government and Henderson Land Development at a nominal rent for seven years. The lots are currently used to store construction equipment, with woodlands nearby.
This is the first time the pro-Beijing association, which established its community group in 2002 to provide social services for low-income residents, is taking part in a housing project.
“Our resources may not be much, but all along we have a good network of low-income families in the New Territories, so we have a more comprehensive understanding of people’s livelihoods, especially the housing issue in Hong Kong ... and after Beijing has sent a message to solve the problem of subdivided units and cage homes,” said Chan Yung, chairman of the association, who is also a delegate to the National People’s Congress.
In July, the director of Beijing’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Xia Baolong, called on the city to eliminate the two types of undesirable accommodation by 2049.
