Mong Kok flower market makeover must keep character
- Officials aim to preserve character of the flower market, saying less than 20 per cent of the shops will be affected
- As some heritage sites have been ruined by insensitive renewal projects, balance must be struck between modernisation and conservation in Mong Kok East revitalisation
For a land-strapped city with a big appetite for growth, urban renewal forms an indispensable part of the development strategy. From rebuilding ageing housing estates and tenement blocks to modernising old districts and areas, authorities in Hong Kong have a lot to do to keep the city going. This is not easy, though. Officials often find themselves juggling between breathing new life into the city and preserving the soul and character of ageing neighbourhoods. Striking a fine balance is therefore essential, taking into account economic, social and environmental factors.
The Urban Renewal Authority is being put to the test with a large-scale “revitalisation” project in Mong Kok East. Following detailed studies, the body will push ahead with the plan to redevelop several sites around the famed flower market, which has been popular with locals and tourists for decades. As many as 31 buildings aged between 64 and 76 years will be redeveloped, covering 2.93 hectares, 275 families and dozens of shops.
What sets it further apart from other projects is a proposed canal, dubbed “the Nullah Road Urban Waterway”, to link the new public leisure spaces with enhanced connectivity. Also featured in the overhaul are 1,350 new flats, commercial areas and a municipal complex with an underground car park.
Mong Kok flower market set for partial makeover in Hong Kong renewal project
Time will tell whether the revamp can live up to the authority’s vision. Typically, the artist’s impression, featuring lush green open space, glitzy skyscrapers and pleasant street life, may seem too good to be true in the bustling heart of the city. Those who are familiar with the neighbourhood may even wonder why a makeover is necessary at all. The flower market is, after all, one of the most vibrant spots in the city. The affected property owners and tenants are also understandably concerned whether they will be worse off.
Equally worthy of attention is the project cost. Notwithstanding a relatively low acquisition budget of HK$2.5 billion, the authority is being frank in saying that it is not sure whether there would be profits under current market conditions. The authority suffered a HK$3.5 billion deficit in the 2022-23 financial year, which is attributed to a downturn in the property market. But the body’s overall finances remain healthy. In any case, urban renewal should not be just a moneymaking venture.
Officials have rightly pledged to preserve the character of the flower market, saying less than 20 per cent of the shops will be affected. But there is also no shortage of local and overseas examples of how heritage sites are ruined because of insensitive facelifts. The authority should make use of its experience and resources to strike a balance between modernisation and conservation.
