08/05/2008

Housing Society Issues Purchase Offers for Private Ownership in Blue House Cluster

The Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) today (Thursday) issues offer letters to 2 owners affected by the preservation project situated at 4 Hing Wan Street and 74A Stone Nullah Lane to acquire their properties by private treaty, and arranges re-housing or ex-gratia payment to the affected tenants who opt for moving out from their flats.

The calculation of the purchasing offer has been made with reference to the Urban Renewal Authority (URA)'s principles in the acquisition of properties. The purchase offers are open for acceptance within 60 days. It is estimated that the total acquisition cost is about $ 18.2 million.

HKHS will concurrently write to the affected domestic tenants enquiring their willingness to move. They will have an ample period of 60 days to consider staying behind or moving out. Eligible tenants in government properties who opt to move out will be re-housed (for the domestic tenants only) or receive ex-gratia payment. For eligible tenants in the private properties, upon completion of acquisition of the private ownership, HKHS will also make similar arrangements for re-housing (for the domestic tenants only) or paying the affected tenants who opt for moving out from their flats.

HKHS has appointed the Salvation Army to set up a Social Service Team to provide counseling service and practical assistance. The briefing session will also be held shortly to explain the related arrangements to the affected tenants.