The Land and Building Advisory Committee was briefed on the Urban Renewal Strategy, a comprehensive review of the Buildings Ordinance and Government's response to the Report of the Construction Industry Review Committee at its meeting today (September 11).
On the Urban Renewal Strategy (URS) and the role of the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), the Land and Building Advisory Committee (LBAC) members generally agreed with the 'people-centred' approach proposed.
"Whilst agreeing that the purpose of urban renewal is to improve the quality of life of residents in the urban areas, the committee believes that the Government has to balance the interests and needs of all sectors of the community without sacrificing the lawful rights of any particular groups in the community," said Professor Yeung Yue-man, Chairman of LBAC after the meeting.
However, some members expressed concern that the establishment of district advisory committees would inevitably prolonged the timing involved in urban renewal though they generally agreed with the idea.
They noted that the URS would provide policy guidelines to the URA for the implementation of a 20-year urban renewal programme.
The Committee was also briefed on the proposals for the first package of amendments to the Buildings Ordinance.
"While being briefed on the Government's intention to conduct a comprehensive review of the Buildings Ordinance previously, members are glad that the Government has translated this into concrete legislative amendments proposals.
"The Committee therefore gave strong and unanimous support to the proposals which should help to upgrade our building standards," he said.
"Members believe that the transformation of the prescriptive standards in the building regulations to performance-based requirements will enhance flexibility in building design and facilitate innovative building technology.
"It is envisaged that the legislative amendments together with joint efforts of the owners, occupants, professionals and contractors will develop a new culture in the building industry and also create a responsible attitude over our built environment," Professor Yeung added.
The Committee was also briefed on Government's response to the Report of the Construction Industry Review Committee (CIRC).
Members noted that the Chief Executive in Council has endorsed a strategy by the Administration in taking forward the 109 recommendations of the CIRC.
End/Tuesday, September 11, 2001
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