Hong Kong building authorities, MTR Corp order flat owner who modified load-bearing wall to take action to ensure structural safety
- Buildings Department said it examined flat and confirmed part of a 200mm-thick structural wall had been removed but concluded overall structure was not in danger
- According to video and floor plans, part of the load-bearing wall was modified to create a door in Lohas Park flat
Building authorities and the management of a Hong Kong residential complex have demanded that the owner of a flat where a load-bearing wall was modified take immediate action to ensure the safety of the entire block after an inspection uncovered code violations.
The home, located in The Capitol at Lohas Park in Tseung Kwan O, originally had three bedrooms. According to a video and floor plans seen by the Post, a number of walls and part of the load-bearing one were removed to create a larger area. The flat has a saleable area of 681 sq ft (63 square metres).
“Staff from the guest services centre and the Buildings Department have conducted a structural safety inspection at the flat concerned today and found there were violations. The department will follow up under the Buildings Ordinance,” said the MTR Corporation, which manages property at Lohas Park.
“The owner of the flat concerned will arrange for temporary reinforcement work in the coming days as soon as possible to ensure the building’s structure is safe.”
The department earlier said it was investigating the case, which came to light on Saturday after internet users alleged that a portion of the wall in question in the renovated flat shown in the video posted online had been removed.