Some merchants and advocates have expressed opposition to a government plan to revamp a famous Hong Kong flower market, arguing the redevelopment may take away from the tourist attraction’s character.
Flower Market Concern Group and NGO Liber Research Community voiced their criticism days before the Town Planning Board is expected to conclude its two-month consultation on the overhaul of Mong Kok’s market on Wednesday.
The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) plans to upgrade 31 buildings aged between 64 and 76 years, affecting about 275 households and 33 ground-floor shops at the market. The site at Sai Yee Street and Prince Edward Road West is set to become a residential and commercial complex with up to 44 storeys, providing 1,350 flats.
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Enya Wong, a member of the concern group and a manager at one of the affected flower shops, said the plan failed to consider the market’s unique culture, noting that the complex could “completely destroy the hub and the spirit of the market”.
“[With the complex], the new redevelopment plan will turn the flower market into an area devoid of character,” she said, expressing hope that her shop could continue to operate on Prince Edward Road.
Authorities earlier said they expected that the redevelopment would affect less than 20 per cent of florists in the area.
Concern group member and retiree Ada Lee, 60, said the redevelopment plan was “incomplete” as it overlooked a few decade-old buildings along Flower Market Road.
Liber Research Community, a group focused on land and development issues in Hong Kong, also opposed the conversion of some public areas, including parks and leisure spaces, into private buildings such as hotels or offices.
“The plan fundamentally misallocates resources,” group founder Chan Kim-ching said, calling for the plan to prioritise buildings in poor condition.
At the flower market, Adam, a 21-year-old student from Poland visiting Hong Kong for the first time, said he enjoyed his stay.
“I appreciate the overall impression it gives, as it is part of the city’s culture,” he said.
Tourism lawmaker Perry Yiu Pak-leung underscored the importance of preserving the attraction.
“I hope authorities will listen to the opinions of various stakeholders including residents’,” he said.
The renewal plan is part of a broader initiative to redevelop the district. The entire project is expected to be completed around 2035 and cost HK$2.5 billion (US$322 million).
In its reply to the Post, URA said it would take the overall district planning into account, rather than solely considering the age of the buildings, in order to bring greater benefits to the community.
It also pledged to continue engaging with operators and the community to understand their needs, and facilitate normal business operations and daily life as much as possible.
More from South China Morning Post:
- Hongkongers celebrate Mother’s Day with trips to Shenzhen spas and buffets, while others enjoy dim sum and shopping at Mong Kok flower market
- Hong Kong flower market redevelopment plans could take bloom off unique atmosphere, critics say, but URA insists proposals guarantee its future
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