Ning Hanhao: Further reviewing the scope and intensity of the Building Ordinance amendment, expected to be released later this year

The Director of the Development Bureau, Ning Hanhao, pointed out at the Legislative Council's Development Affairs Committee policy briefing that the completion volume of the ten-year "developed land" announced last year is expected to be about 2,600 hectares within ten years, of which 1,800 hectares will come from the Northern Metropolis. As for the remaining "developed land," the main sources include the expansion of Tung Chung New Town, Districts 132 and 137 in Tseung Kwan O, as well as land reclamation at Lung Kwu Tan primarily for industrial use and the re-planned Tuen Mun West.

Regarding urban redevelopment and building safety, in terms of redevelopment, the authorities believe that reliance solely on the Urban Renewal Authority is insufficient and that market forces must also be leveraged. Therefore, the government proposed several measures in last year's Policy Address, and the market response has generally been positive.

As for building safety, in response to the Tai Po fire incident, the authorities have previously proposed to further review the scope and intensity of amendments to the Buildings Ordinance, aiming to enhance supervision of building maintenance works and regulation of professionals and contractors through this amendment. The authorities are currently exploring details in these directions, which will be announced later this year.

Ning Hanhao also believes that the government urgently needs to consider cost control and is gradually implementing measures such as streamlining approvals, reviewing standards, and enhancing the application of innovative technologies