Hong Kong developer submits downsized plan for 'state of art' columbarium in Chai Wan
Reduced proposal for private columbarium in Chai Wan follows strong local opposition
Developers behind a proposed "state-of-the-art" private columbarium in Chai Wan have submitted a revised town planning application with 30 per cent fewer niches.
Kerry Warehouse said the move, which would see capacity reduced from 120,000 urn niches to 82,000, was made to minimise the potential impact on residents and the surrounding area.
The company withdrew its first application earlier this year amid strong opposition from local people and politicians.
Some expressed misgivings about having another columbarium nearby. There were also concerns about traffic jams during grave-sweeping festivals.
The plan involves converting a warehouse on Ka Yip Street to a 15-storey private columbarium called the Island Memorial Centre. Niches would be equipped with digital photo plaques of the deceased and the facility will restrict burning of joss, incense or offerings to funeral days.
The company said traffic issues would be solved by free shuttle bus services from Heng Fa Chuen and Quarry Bay MTR stations. A system would be introduced to restrict visits to preregistered appointments.