Enhancing land use efficiency through high-rise and high-quality development 2018-12-13The ‘Land Debate’ has drawn to an end. The Task Force on Land Supply will submit the final report regarding different land supply options to the Government before the end of the year. While the exploration of land acquisition is important, it is also worth discussing how to optimise the use of limited land resources for different purposes.
Reducing noise with pavement design 2018-11-26Almost one million people in Hong Kong are affected by traffic noise. Using low-noise road surfaces is one way to alleviate the problem, but its effectiveness varies with road conditions. In light of the Land Sharing Pilot Scheme recently proposed by the Government, will developers be encouraged to construct such low-noise pavements so that newly developed areas will become more livable?
Mapping out a 20-minute social neighbourhood to create a livable New Territories 2018-10-22The development plans for brownfield sites and privately owned agricultural land highlighted in the newly released Policy Address will surely make the New Territories home to even more people, where over half of the local population resides. To make this region more livable, the concept of ‘20-minute social neighbourhood’ should be incorporated into the city’s planning standards and guidelines, allowing citizens to take a stroll and enjoy different communal facilities and services, and immerse themselves in the unique culture and natural settings that surround them.
Land resources series: Exploring the gap between ideal and reality of reservoir reclamation 2018-10-05The scarcity of water resources may explain why reclaiming part of Plover Cove Reservoir as one of the land supply options has raised little discussion. However, if we shift the focus to unleash the potential of existing reservoirs, it may generate greater discussion.
Is the rise in minimum wage going to affect public rental housing applications? 2018-09-28In Hong Kong, where public rental housing is in demand, eligibility criteria for this housing resource draw much attention. In terms of the income limit, whether the existing practice is responsive to minimum wage adjustments and private rental market conditions has aroused considerable concern in recent years.
Land resources series: Creating an eco-city by promoting urban agriculture 2018-09-24Building more homes on the same piece of land is one of the ways to meet people’s housing needs. However, increasing the residential density will end up sapping the livability. Is it possible to have it both ways by setting aside part of the land for urban farming?
Land resources series: Exploring the raison d'être of private sports clubs 2018-09-21The ‘big debate’ on land supply in recent months has cast a spotlight on land leased to sports clubs via Private Recreational Leases. Historically, such leases and private sports clubs have served some specific purposes. Are these purposes still relevant today? How should these sports clubs be operated effectively to unleash their full potential?
Land administration: Making it fair, transparent and efficient 2018-09-20Based on the principles of fairness, transparency, efficiency and effectiveness, the study on ‘Enhancing planning and lands policies’ aims to put forth recommendations for accelerating the process of land production by reviewing six major policy areas involved.
Land resources series: The difficulties in relocating recreational facilities to restored landfill sites 2018-09-20Relocating land-extensive recreational facilities to restored landfill sites, one of the options identified by the Task Force on Land Supply, is seemingly flexible and manageable. Nonetheless, how much land will be released accordingly? What challenges will be encountered during the process?
Land resources series: Towards efficient management of country parks 2018-09-14Development on the periphery of country parks is one of the most controversial land options. In the UK, there is a national park management system aiming to conserve natural resources as well as foster the economic and social well-being of local communities. Can its experience shed light on the promotion of rural-urban integration in Hong Kong?