Green groups attack plans for world's largest demolition of new buildings
They've never been occupied and now they never will be. The fate of seven new blocks in a harbour-front Hunghom housing estate has been decided - they will be torn down for redevelopment into luxury flats that are likely to bring a windfall of nearly $6 billion for the developers.
New World Development and Sun Hung Kai Properties announced yesterday that Hunghom Peninsula would be demolished - using environmentally friendly methods that they claim will see up to 95 per cent of the 190,000 tonnes of construction debris recycled.
It will be the largest-ever demolition of new buildings in the world.
Green groups and educators criticised the decision to tear down the blocks, saying it sent the wrong message to Hong Kong's young that profits were more important than environmental protection.
The demolition, expected to take about 10 months, is likely to start next June. The redevelopment will then take another three years.