Local leaders and residents of the Sham Shui Po community gathered at a workshop today (Saturday) putting their heads together to explore possible ways forward for urban regeneration of the district as a blueprint for all concerned.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, the Chairman of the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), Mr Edward Cheng said: "this workshop was jointly organized by the Sham Shui Po District Advisory Committee (DAC) of the URA and the Sham Shui Po District Council, which is part of URA¡¦s ongoing efforts to ascertain public aspirations and views on the future blueprint of the district."

"As one of the key players for the district's regeneration, URA is keen to see how it can contribute to providing some relief to issues relating to poverty and an aging population, Mr Cheng added.

The Chairperson of the URA Sham Shui Po DAC, Professor Cecilia Chan, pointed out that: "Sham Shui Po is a poor district with the lowest median household income in Hong Kong.  It is also one of the nine target areas in our urban renewal programme. In recent years, following the implementation of 12 urban redevelopment projects at a total development cost of over $8.4 billion in the district, five of which are in association with the Hong Kong Housing Society, some 2,500 families have been able to improve their living environment.  Moreover, URA's rehabilitation initiatives have also benefited some 800 families in the district. Together with our proposed revitalisation efforts at Tung Chau Street, Yen Chow Street and Nam Cheong Street, URA projects would gradually bring a new face to the entire district. 

"In the last couple of years, a number of local organizations have expressed an immense interest in the future direction of urban regeneration for the district and have done a lot of research work in this regard."

"Through this workshop, the URA hopes not only to have a firm grasp of the vision and aspirations of the local community but also to establish a much closer mutual understanding between all interested parties," Professor Chan added.

About 130 community leaders, District Council members, URA Sham Shui Po DAC members, Area Committee members, representatives from government departments, owners' corporations, professional bodies, non-government organizations and residents groups took part in the workshop which was facilitated by a research team of the Department of Social Work and Social Administration of the University of Hong Kong led by Dr Law Chi-kwong.

Apart from Mr Edward Cheng and Prof Chan, the Chairman of the Sham Shui Po District Council, Mr Tam Kwok-kiu also addressed the workshop.  Other guest speakers included Dr Wong Yu Cheung of Department of Social Work & Social Administration of the University of Hong Kong; Dr. Ting Sun Pao, a veteran heritage conservationist; Mr. Pang Chuck Hang and Mr Albert Kwong of Hong Kong Housing Society; Mr Eddie Lui, Planning Director of the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre; Dr Wong Hung of Department of Social Work of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Mr Kenneth Li, URA Senior Manager (Planning).