Is liveability a luxury forever out of reach for ordinary Hongkongers?
As authorities seek to pack as many flats as possible into our space-starved city, urban planning experts warn them not to overlook quality-of-life issues
When Ronald Lee Man-ho and his family moved from North Point to Tseung Kwan O more than a decade ago, they were delighted to leave their overcrowded urban neighbourhood for a new town near the hills and sea.
Their 47-storey development, The Grandiose, promised luxury and serenity away from the city, with its clubhouse, swimming pools and mini theatre.
But today, Lee fears he could soon again live in another sprawling urban centre as high-rises crop up all around Tseung Kwan O, with plenty more planned for the New Territories district.
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“Everywhere you look, you’re surrounded by blocks of flats,” the 28-year-old said.
“More and more people are moving in here. It’s the worst during rush hour on the MTR – I now have to wait for more than one train to pass before I can get on and go to work,” said Lee, who works at an investment bank in Central.
“If five or 10 years down the road it gets even worse, I might have to think about moving away. I prefer my peace and quiet.”
Lee’s fears are likely to come true. And moving away may not necessarily be the solution.