Controversial columbarium developer offers discounts to local residents in last bid for public support
Developer offers discounted rates for ahead of crucial planning board meeting on planned multi-billion dollar columbarium for Chai Wan
The developer behind a controversial “state-of-the-art” private columbarium planned for Chai Wan has pledged to reserve 10,000 niches for nearby residents at a 30 per cent discount in a bid to garner local support.
It marks a last ditch attempt by developer Kerry Logistics to placate district concerns ahead of a Town Planning Board meeting to discuss the proposal later this month. District councillors however, are still not convinced by the plans, citing worries over the use of the land and traffic issues.
Other measures to make the development more palatable include donating 10 per cent of the facility’s pre-tax profits to community and charity groups, half of which is to be earmarked for community services in the neighbourhood, and offering free ferry services during peak days.
The price of niches will depend on the land premium the company will have to pay but it is expected that the discounted niches will cost at least HK$80,000. To be eligible, beneficiaries will have to own or rent property within a one kilometre radius of the facility.
Kerry Logistics managing director William Ma Wing-kai said the project was needed to help ease the dire shortage of columbarium space in Hong Kong as well as raising standards. “[Hongkongers] deserve better treatment,” he said.
The company had to withdraw its first application early last year as councillors and residents expressed concerns about having another columbarium near by.
