Following is a question by the Hon Timothy Fok and a written reply by the Secretary for Planning and Lands, Mr John C Tsang, in the Legislative Council today (April 17):
Question:
It is learnt that the Administration intends to convert some vacant units in factory buildings into sports centres so as to provide more community sports facilities. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the districts where it intends to carry out such conversion works;
(b) of the sports activities that are suitable for the converted venues; and
(c) whether such sports centres will be managed by a government department or run by private operators?
Reply:
Madam President,
To encourage better utilization of vacant units in factory buildings, the Town Planning Board has agreed to relax the land use control over factory buildings. Private developers may, by means of planning application, convert vacant units in factory buildings into "Place of Public Entertainment" and "Educational Institution" etc.
At present, the Government has no plans to convert vacant units in factory buildings into sports centres. Private operators intending to carry out such conversions may apply to the authorities concerned.
End/Wednesday, April 17, 2002
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