Residents of Choi Hung Estate in Hong Kong will soon face a significant change as they are set to be relocated by April 2029. The Housing Authority has announced that approximately 1,790 households residing in Pik Hoi House, Kam Pik House, and Tan Fung House will need to vacate their homes by this deadline to make way for the first stage of redevelopment at the estate.
Timeline and Relocation Details
According to the Housing Authority, affected residents will receive a notice 52 months before the target clearance date. They will be relocated to the redeveloped Mei Tung Estate nearby. The redevelopment project aims to increase the number of flats at Choi Hung Estate by 1,800, bringing the total to 9,200 units and enhancing road traffic conditions at the Choi Hung interchange.
Financial Assistance and Allowances
To assist residents with the moving process, the Housing Authority will provide a Domestic Removal Allowance ranging from HK$10,030 to HK$31,910, based on household size. Additionally, one-person and two-person households may opt for an allowance if they choose not to be rehoused in a public rental unit. The rates for this option are HK$78,820 for singletons and HK$96,050 for two-person households.
Shop Retention and Design Elements
In an effort to maintain the community’s essence, the authority will engage in community exercises to identify and retain small shops on the estate. Successful bidders for new premises will receive a three-month rent waiver. Furthermore, the Housing Authority plans to incorporate unique design elements from the existing estate into the redevelopment project, preserving the cultural characteristics of Choi Hung Estate.
Home Ownership Scheme and Future Developments
Responding to residents’ requests to purchase government-subsidized flats, the authority has converted a public rental development on Wang Chiu Road into a subsidised sale flat project with 2,576 units. Additionally, the clearance date for two housing blocks at Wah Fu Estate has been advanced from 2040-41 to 2034-35.
As the process unfolds, residents will navigate a period of change and transition. The community’s resilience and adaptability will be key as they embark on this new chapter in the history of Choi Hung Estate. Through unity and support for one another, residents can navigate the challenges ahead and pave the way for a brighter future in their new homes.
