The Flower Market in Hong Kong is facing a major challenge as a redevelopment project threatens the livelihood of many residents and florists in the area. A concern group consisting of around 20 local residents and florists has come together to oppose the controversial redevelopment plan that could uproot over 200 trees, affect 33 flower shops, and introduce new large-scale shopping malls and residential high-rises.
Ada Lee, a member of the concern group and a long-time resident of the neighborhood, expressed her concerns about the proposed redevelopment. She emphasized that the community is not against the government but rather against the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) and the Town Planning Board’s lack of consideration for the residents and business owners in the area.
The Flower Market is a vibrant commercial community with over 120 ground-floor flower stores spanning four streets. However, the URA’s redevelopment plan includes demolishing low-rise buildings, acquiring public land to build high-rise residential buildings and shopping malls, and neglecting the safety and well-being of the residents in old apartments.
Residents like Lee and business owners like Bowie and Leung are worried about the severe impact the redevelopment project will have on their livelihoods. Bowie’s flower shop is one of the many that will be acquired by the URA, and he is concerned about the lack of information regarding relocation plans for affected shops. Leung, who has been running a floristry business in the neighborhood for decades, fears that his business will suffer a significant decline during the 10-year redevelopment period.
Chan Kim-ching, a researcher with Liber Research Community, suggests that the URA should reconsider its redevelopment model and focus on renewing old residential buildings with safety risks instead of sacrificing the vibrant commercial community of the Flower Market. The concern group is actively working to gather more opinions from residents and florists to submit to the Town Planning Board and advocate for a more thoughtful approach to the redevelopment project.
As the two-month period of public inspection comes to an end, the Town Planning Board will review all representations and hold meetings with concerned parties. The Flower Market concern group is dedicated to voicing the opinions of the community and ensuring that the redevelopment plan takes into account the well-being and livelihoods of all those affected.
In conclusion, the Flower Market in Hong Kong is at a crossroads, and the decisions made in the coming months will have a lasting impact on the community. It is essential for the authorities to listen to the concerns of residents and business owners and work towards a redevelopment plan that preserves the unique character and vitality of the Flower Market while addressing the needs of those who call it home.
